A unique performer who wowed judges on last years Britain’s Got Talent put on a concert for Rainham schoolchildren today.
MckNasty, real name Josh McKenzie, was praised for his distinctive drumming and DJ combination, receiving four yes’s from the talent show judging panel during his audition.
He has teamed up with the Charlotte Leatherbarrow Foundation, a charity set up in memory of a twelve year old ballerina who died in an accident when she was running to her dance class, and plans to tour ten schools in two weeks.
The first of these schools was the Brittons Academy, Ford Lane, Rainham. MckNasty had already performed there in 2012 prior to his TV appearance.
“It was a case of him approaching us and saying did we want to have him back and this time it will be for charity,” said Jen Johnson, Head of Music at the Brittons Academy.
Workshops were provided for BTEC music students and aspiring drummers who are taking drumming lessons.
Asked what she hoped the visit would do for the children, Jen said: “I am hoping that it will encourage them and inspire them to want to do something similar.
“His drumming style is so unique.”
The concert took place at lunch time, with tickets costing £1 each and the proceeds going to the Charlotte Leatherbarrow Foundation. There was also a raffle, where the performer’s merchandise was given out to prize winners. The school hopes to raise £500 in total.
The foundation aims to help talented 8-16 year olds who don’t have the means to realise their potential in the performing arts by providing them with scholarships and funds for training.
Neil Leatherbarrow, who founded the Charlotte Leatherbarrow Foundation with his wife Karen, said: “I’ve known him [MckNasty] since he was 16 years old.
“Our families know each other. He knew my daughter Charlotte, so when it all blew up with the accident and I started the charity up Josh said, I want to get involved”
Describing the concert, Neil said: “It went down really well.”
To view all of our photos from the concert, click on the gallery on the right hand side of the screen.
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