DARREL writes and produces music for his project, Invermon
From co-creating and performing in our national tour of Camp Phoenix, 2024, to becoming a valued member of our youth consultants, Future Proof, Darrel brings creativity, openness, and heart to everything he does. Through Zest, Darrel has grown in confidence as an artist, found freedom in his voice, and continues to shape bold, empathetic stories that connect people and celebrate being unapologetically yourself.
Darrel has contributed to the following projects:
Camp Phoenix (2024)
Refresh Your Perspective (2025)
Future Proof (2024-present)
How did you get involved with Zest?
‘When I moved to London from Nigeria in 2023, everything felt new. Meeting new people, adjusting to a new weather climate (I still can’t get over the cold!), and starting college meant figuring out who I am and what I wanted to study. When I saw that studying Performing and Production Arts was an option at Lewisham College, I decided this was an opportunity I wasn’t going to miss, because there’s not a lot of funding for arts and culture where I’m from.
‘Zest came to our college and spent a week with our class preparing for Camp Phoenix, a theatre production about young people coming of age and the changes that come with it. I played the role of Afhan, a go-getter and inspiring leader, and it was a highlight of my acting journey. The experience was so memorable that after the show ended, my friends and I called Toby, begging him to run the show one more time!
‘Discovering the arts in a new city and then meeting Zest was a turning point in my life, sparking the creative journey I’m still on today. I was swept up in the energy of the project, witnessing and understanding the positive impact it had on us, and I wanted to continue working with Zest.’
What motivated you to join the Future Proof team with Zest?
’After Camp Phoenix, I was offered the chance to join Future Proof. I felt motivated to join because of the process I went through in co-creating Camp Phoenix, sharing the stories we told and the experiences we shared, and how that can shape other projects with Zest.
‘At first, I was mainly motivated by the chance to keep growing as an actor, but Future Proof became much more than this. They’re not just listening for ideas to help shape projects, they’re always checking in with you, seeing how you’re feeling and what’s going on. Whether someone’s sharing something heavy or whether they’re adding humour to lighten the space, everyone is helping build each other up, keeping it open and a safe space.
‘This wasn’t what I was expecting when I joined, but it was exactly what I needed, particularly at that time. That mix of creative growth, real support, and having a say in shaping stories is what keeps me involved. Moments of self-doubt faded in the company of people who genuinely saw the best in me.’
In what ways has your involvement with Zest influenced your career path?
’My experience with Zest and Future Proof has been transformative, not just for my music but for my whole outlook as an artist. The pivotal moment for me came with Camp Phoenix. By the end of that production, I was sure this is what I wanted to be doing. My boss showed up to the show, telling my mum how great I was and how I smashed every performance, and I was just so happy, and I knew this was what I wanted to be doing.
‘Now, I see endless creative possibilities ahead of me. I’m starting to think about how I can combine acting with music, and how I could develop as an actor, director, or writer, because I’m already utilising these skills. Everything is storytelling in the end, so if I can translate this with music, it’s going to make a whole lot of difference, not just for me, but for anyone who can relate to my story and feelings.’
How have your experiences with Zest benefited you personally?
‘It’s like this moment in Naruto, where Naruto finally learns to run on water once Jiraiya lifts the seal holding him back - Zest did that for me. Through Zest, I discovered this freedom of artistic expression, a space where I could be there, I could be an artist, and I could be me, Darrel.
‘Knowing that my voice and story mattered, and that I could control how they were shared, made all the difference. It’s safe to know that, yes, you can be yourself, and Future Proof values you, and they’ve shown it time and time again.’
Jasmyne, cas, millie, aija, kez and darrel at the lowry, salford, before the Refresh Your Perspective, ACE Conference 2025.
darrel and the cast for camp phoenix at The Albany, Deptford, 2024
Could you share any standout moments, stories or achievements with Zest?
‘Presenting for Arts Council England in Manchester was a defining moment for me. Speaking from the heart in a professional space was scary, but I was able to get through it. For me, it was more than performing; it was a platform to present my ideas, shape discussions, and lay the groundwork for the future. That was a huge responsibility, and reflecting on this experience, I know what I need to do to improve. If another opportunity presents itself, I’m ready.
‘During a sound check for Camp Phoenix, usually, I might’ve just said, “testing, testing, one, two, three,” but instead I let go and improvised. Everyone ended up laughing, and that encouragement to just be me and be accepted really stuck with me. The real magic was seeing the audience respond during Camp Phoenix after we performed for primary school children; they called out to me on the street, saying they loved my character.
‘All these moments, making others laugh, taking ownership of my contribution, and seeing how shared creativity lifts everyone up, are why my time working with Zest has been unforgettable.’
