Southwell Minster pupil Freddie Vokes to record in New York alongside Maxi Priest

A 15-year-old music and art prodigy with special education needs will fly to the US to record with a British reggae vocalist.

Freddie Vokes, a pupil at Southwell Minster, recently took part in the Musicat ‘Heal Your Heart’ Jingle Competition, which was held online and judged by Maxi Priest and JAX.

The teenager will fly to New York alongside his mother, Sarah Vokes, at the end of this month to claim ‘one of the most exciting parts’ of the prize to record with Maxi Priest.

He will get to see a concert in New Jersey on Friday (May 30) and then record music with him at a studio in New York.

Sarah said: “When we found out he’d won, we were completely over the moon—it was a moment none of us will forget.

“This win has been incredibly meaningful for Freddie as he’s always been passionate about music, but even more so about using it as a tool for positive change.

“He’s a strong advocate for youth mental health and healthy eating, and what made this competition so special was how The Musicats’ message through their animation beautifully aligns with those values.

“It felt like the perfect match for what he stands for.”

The teenager, who has been diagnosed with ASD, ADHD, dyspraxia and is hard of hearing, invests a lot of his time into the community he was born into.

Born prematurely and often underestimated, he has gone on to pass six grade eight music and drama exams, achieve two prestigious music diplomas, and perform as a harpist.

Freddie has overcome severe bullying and personal hardship to become a powerful advocate for mental health and inclusivity, writing music to support youth mental health.

He also chairs the youth council in his area, having served as a Youth Mayor as well as having been nominated and won several awards, such as the National Diversity Award.

Recently, he has received the news that he has been nominated and shortlisted for the Make a Difference Awards 2025.

Sarah added: “The best part of winning, from Freddie’s perspective, has been being part of something that reflects his own passions, not just music, but wellbeing, advocacy, and connecting with others through meaningful messages.

“We really believe this is going to be a turning point in his journey, not just as an artist, but as someone who wants to make a difference.

“Thank you again for all your support, it truly means so much to us.”