Guildford’s ACM Student Joins Legendary Vocal Group The Drifters

Published on: 25 Feb, 2016
Updated on: 25 Feb, 2016

In November 2015, the iconic band the Drifters paid a visit to Guildford’s Academy of Contemporary Music (ACM) where they took part in both a masterclass and competition. Lucky student Ginnie Breakwell was chosen to sing alongside the legends on an Eagle radio session.

Emmanuel Dadey with The Drifters,Michael Williams, Daniel Bowen-Smith, Damion Charles and Ryan King.

Emmanuel Dadey (centre) with the Drifters – Michael Williams, Daniel Bowen-Smith, Damion Charles and Ryan King.

During the event the Drifters’ management were so impressed with students Sarah Martin, Eleanor Martin and Rhys Wilson alongside competition winner Ginnie, that they were invited to perform on stage with the band on two tour dates.

Since then, it seems that the Drifters can’t get enough of the talent on offer in Guildford with ACM’s Emmanuel Dadey now joining the band as its understudy.

Emmanuel is performing on all tour dates as a backing vocalist and also stepping in as a Drifter in the event of the absence of another member. This is a huge responsibility for Emmanuel especially as the only understudy for the band.

This fantastic opportunity came about when the ACM’s industry link department put him forward to audition for the band.

Emmanuel initially met with fellow Drifters and he got on well with them. This was then followed by a formal audition which Emmanuel and another candidate attended together.

Emmanuel said: “Ace (Martin ‘Ace’ Kent of Skunk Anansie, ACM’s head of creative industry development) told me that the Drifters would like me to go and audition for the band. I was asked to sing Stand by Me and Love Games along with one of my own choice which was My Girl.

“All went well, albeit I was very nervous when I actually sang in front of the Drifters and their manager. I received a call a couple of days later offering me the position. It was fantastic knowing that they liked what I had to offer.”

The Drifters MD, Dan Healey, said: “We are really pleased to have Emmanuel on board as our understudy – his audition was very impressive and we are thrilled to have such a talented vocalist.”