Self-taught saxophonist working at Harrogate's Bilton Hall Nursing Home reaches national talent final
Harrogate carer and self taught saxophonist reaches finals of talent contest
A Harrogate nursing home kitchen assistant who taught himself to play the saxophone is swapping the care-home kitchen for the national stage after reaching the Grand Final of Care Sector’s Got Talent, which is held on Wednesday 7 October.
Ayomide David Adegbite, who works at Bilton Hall Nursing Home in Harrogate, has been named as one of just eight finalists in the annual competition, which celebrates the talent, creativity and personality of people working across social care.
The 28-year-old is largely a self-taught saxophonist, making his place in the final all the more remarkable. He started learning the instrument tin 2018 and now does paid and voluntary gigs, balancing his music with his work at Bilton Hall.
Ayomide may be the one to watch at Care Sector’s Got Talent on October 7, as last year’s competition was won by another saxophonist, Oladayo 'Ola' Ojekanmi.
He says he’s not letting the pressure get to him though.
“I’d be so happy if I won, but I am just pleased I have made it this far.
“Music is like a shortcut to my happiness. Whenever I feel down, even listening to music makes me feel better. I feel even happier when I can play the saxophone to my favourite songs.”
Ayomide is now hoping to surprise his colleagues at Bilton Hall, where only a handful of staff knew about his musical talent. He has also been discussing the possibility of performing for residents at an upcoming festival.
“Only a few people knew that I play the saxophone. I’m hoping to perform for the residents soon, and it would be really nice to share my music with them.”
His audition has secured him a place among just eight finalists who will perform at the Care Sector’s Got Talent Grand Final at Care Show Birmingham at the NEC Birmingham on Wednesday 7 October. If Ayomide wins, he will take home £5,000 in cash to spend however he chooses.
The Grand Final will bring the eight finalists together in front of an audience of 500 care-sector colleagues, friends and supporters.
The competition is organised by Championing Social Care, which runs national campaigns and sector-wide initiatives designed to celebrate the people who work in social care and promote greater public understanding, appreciation and respect for the sector.
Angela Boxall, Co-Chair of Care Sector’s Got Talent, said: “Care Sector’s Got Talent is all about celebrating the people behind social care and showing the hidden talents, passions, humour and individuality that exists across our sector.
"Ayomide is a brilliant example of the creativity and determination found among people working in care, and I can’t wait to see him bring his saxophone to the final stage.”
The Care Sector’s Got Talent Grand Final takes place on Wednesday 7 October at Care Show Birmingham, NEC Birmingham. Tickets to the live final are free via Eventbrite, with places limited to 500.
For those unable to attend in person, the full final will be broadcast on the Care Sector’s Got Talent YouTube channel on Friday 9 October at 2.30pm, giving care homes and organisations across the UK the opportunity to watch together.