Home   Deal   News   Article

Ten-year-old busker Charlie Salustro-Smart from Deal is hoping to make it as big as Bieber

Most Saturdays Charlie Salustro-Smart can be found impressing crowds on the streets of Deal - and he's still only ten.

Charlie, of West Street, first picked up a guitar at the age of two and began wowing people with his voice from just six.

People may have seen him busk in Deal’s high street on weekends, or seen one of his many YouTube videos on the internet.

Charlie Salustro-Smart, a budding singer and guitar player from Deal
Charlie Salustro-Smart, a budding singer and guitar player from Deal

Charlie, a Year 6 pupil at Sandown Primary School, has had the most hits on his rendition of Ed Sheeran’s Thinking Out Loud.

“I try to busk most Saturdays normally,” he said.

“People tell me to carry on and that I am really good.

“It is a big part of my life, I really enjoy playing and I feel really happy that it is natural to me.”

His father Adam Smart, 35, used to be in a band and has been Charlie’s main inspiration in music.

Apart from teaching him how to play, Mr Smart and mother Sacha Salustro, support their son’s wishes to busk in the town under their watchful eye.

But in the future, the budding singer wants to perform to more people and head to the city of Canterbury, a place that is renowned for buskers.

Time away from music usually consists of computer games and scooter riding.

He also had to put the guitar down for four months last year as he prepared for the Kent Test, which he has passed.

Acts that influence Charlie’s taste in music range from rock bands Nirvana to Biffy Clyro.

But Charlie’s favourite pop-star is Justin Bieber, a 21-year-old Canadian scouted from the web nearly a decade ago.

Justin Bieber was signed when he was just 13. Picture: Wiki Commons
Justin Bieber was signed when he was just 13. Picture: Wiki Commons

A marketing executive who was looking for another act accidentally stumbled upon Bieber who is now a worldwide success.

Charlie will continue posting his videos online and is hoping that he will be selected to perform for community events in the future.

Miss Salustro, 31, said: “He plays all of the time.

“To see the nice comments on Facebook is something to be really proud of.

“Someone has messaged me and commented on Charlie’s good manners.”

If anyone would like to book Charlie to perform at any events in the district, email: sacha.salustro@yahoo.co.uk

Close This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies.Learn More