‘I’d given up on music… but the Isle of Wight saved me and gave me back my career.’

Ryde legend Derek Sandy tells how he once supported Bob Marley and the Wailers; battled drug addiction before moving here; and his big plans for the Island’s Got Talent…

Musician and entertainer Derek - famous for his turn on ITV’s Britain’s Got Talent in 2019 and for bringing Caribbean vibes to the Island - has given a half-hour interview about his life; career and living on the Island.

Speaking to former Sky News and BBC presenter Harriet Hadfield, on the Island Stories Podcast, Derek tells how he arrived here from the Caribbean one winter, and has never looked back: "I believe I am part of the Island and the Island is part of me."

He said: ‘The Isle of Wight reminds me a bit of the Caribbean… The people are very nice. And that's why I'm still here — six months I came here for, 20 years later — I’m still here!’

Derek hails from Trinidad and Tobago, where he got into music at a very young age, even supporting the legendary Marley.

But things got very difficult for Derek and he speaks frankly about his struggles with addiction.

Derek went to rehab for six weeks and says he’s never struggled again. Now he warns young people to stay away from drugs and from drinking too much alcohol.

Read more: Derek Sandy hosts Caribbean fun day in Ryde

Read more: Derek among famous faces on Isle of Wight Christmas card.

Derek now has big plans for Island’s Got Talent — a live shows spin-off of the giant ITV show BGT — a competition to be held on Ryde Seafront in July and August with high-profile Islanders as judges.

With £1,000 prize money, Derek says they’ve already got some great acts lined up, and the deadline to enter is mid-June.

The Island Stories Podcast, produced by Alex Warren, launched with an interview with DJ and music producer Rob da Bank and has been receiving plaudits from listeners.

Sponsored by Spence Willard, the Property of the Week section is proving popular.

You can listen to the podcast via the website or main streaming platforms.