Autistic girl becomes Northern Ireland’s youngest busker
A 10-year-old autistic girl from Rathcoole has been brining Belfast City Centre to a standstill in recent weeks after becoming Northern Ireland’s youngest buster.
First recognised by Cool FM presenter Stuart Robinson as one of his ‘Cool Saturday Show - Saturday Stars’ when she was just 8 - Isla McManus’ rendition of ‘Dance Monkey’ notched up almost 2m views online.
Since then Isla has continued to perform and sing at auditions, improving on her talent and has recently been popping up in locations around Belfast City Centre as a ‘busker’.
It was in Corn Market in Belfast at the weekend that Isla once again by chance caught Stuart Robinson’s attention while he had been out shopping…
Isla is a natural with a microphone in hand, she commented: “I feel happy seeing everyone stopping when I'm singing. I really enjoy making people happy and it’s lots of fun.”
Stuart commented “Isla stops people in their tracks when she sings, people can’t believe that such a big adult sounding voice is coming from such a tiny girl. I was totally blown away when she started singing the Radiohead classic ‘Creep’ - you just don’t expect it and she did such an amazing job - I knew it deserved to be heard by listeners of the show”
Since posting online the clip has been viewed over 300,000 times online with thousands of messages of support from around the world. Isla was also contacted to appear on the BBC and UTV.
Isla’s mother Alana is overwhelmed by the response, speaking to Cool FM she said: “It’s absolutely amazing to see what she has achieved so far.
“She has overcome so many challenges in life and I couldn’t be prouder of her.”
Isla’s music library consists of music young and old, her favourite artist is Billie Eilish and she would love to sing with her one day.
Mum Alana added: “Sometimes I’ll just hear Isla humming or singing a song, other times I hear a song and know it would suit her voice. She’s also know for taking requests from followers too."
Isla's favourite place to busk in Belfast is just outside Victoria Square, so if you're out and about at the weekend, be sure to stop by and say hello!
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