Title: What Happened To My Arm?- Vilson Duarte Dong
My name is Salome, and I am 22 years old. On 26 October 2024, I brought together 100 young people to celebrate their talents in front of an audience of 250. Taking place during Black History Month, the event specifically aimed to highlight young Black talent and Black stories. None of these individuals had ever performed before, and I wanted to give them the confidence and opportunity to do what performers aspire to most—perform.
I often find that we wait for our “red carpet” opportunity, our big break, but I thought, why wait? Let’s create our own opportunities. Imagine a red carpet, everyone dressed to impress, restaurant catering, and limited-edition hardback books detailing the stories of the performers. Picture red-carpet interviews, and not just a live show, but a cinema-grade filmed production.
I was tired of seeing creatives constantly put on the back burner or relying solely on public or council funding to sustain their work. Creativity should be celebrated and highlighted; I believe it forms the foundation of our society. I wanted to create a space for the talented people I knew—true, authentic, raw talent.
We told the story of Vilson, a 23-year-old ex-gang member who turned his life around after serving a six-year prison sentence. Vilson's story anchored the show and introduced each section. From his journey, we explored the themes of Lost, Identity, and Hope, with each performer responding to these themes by sharing their own personal stories through singing, dancing, spoken word, acting, and even a fashion show.
To top it off, everything was brought together in a short, unreleased film (scroll to see).
The show
What Happened To My Arm? Tones Live 2024
What happens when 100 young performers, none of whom have ever set foot on a stage, are given the chance to share their untold stories? Guided by Salome, a 22-year-old visionary, this powerful production celebrates Black creativity weaving together tales of resilience, transformation, and hope.
At the heart of the story is Vilson, a 23-year-old ex-gang member and convict who overcame loss, trauma, and a life-altering car accident to find redemption. As his journey unfolds, themes of Lost, Identity, and Hope resonate through heartfelt performances of song, dance, spoken word, and fashion. This cinematic experience shines a light on the struggles and triumphs of a generation determined to redefine success on their own terms.
"What Happened to My Arm" is more than a live show—it’s a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the power of community to uplift, inspire, and heal.
Casual footage taken by an audience member of the beggininning of the show: I started the show by sharing a snippet of my own story, making way for others who did the same throughout the other 90 minutes.
Red Carpet BTS
As guests and performers arrived on the day, they were interviewed to share their thoughts and expectations for this one-of-a-kind show. No one knew what to expect. Inspired by the met gala, their fashion choices were also captured during the interviews.
The interviewers were none other than Elisa Garcia and Victoria Sesay Felix, stylists and co-creative directors of the fashion show that also took place within the show.
Fun fact: we hand made the press wall for the show by using iron on Vinyl!
The Process
It all began in November 2023 when I shared the idea for this show with my videographer. My mentor, a well-known figure in the industry, told me it would be difficult to bring the concept to life as I’d need at least £10,000 to make it happen. I agreed. Fast forward to May 2024, and I won exactly £10,000 for the work I do with Tones—the exact amount I needed.
I got to work immediately, pushing aside the immense anxiety I felt at every stage and trusting in God.
Each performer was assigned a creative director to collaborate with on ideas for their performance and a manager—a pragmatic counterpart amidst the creative whirlwind—tasked with keeping them organised and on track. Together, we formed a team of nearly 100 young creatives, managers, and runners, all coming together to help one another shine.
We documented the entire process, capturing behind-the-scenes moments at every stage.
Here are some snippets of our final rehearsals before the show
Instagram: @tonesbysalome
The event was also featured in local press
The Story
To accompany the show, we developed and printed a limited-edition hardback book, which completely sold out on the day. The book featured biographies and detailed stories of everyone who performed, offering a deeper insight into their journeys.
Vilson's Story
Theme 1: Lost
At 22, Vilson lost part of his arm in a car accident. That night, speeding down a country road, overwhelmed by personal struggles, he felt detached from life and indifferent to the consequences. Losing control, he crashed.
At 22, Vilson lost part of his arm in a car accident. That night, speeding down a country road, overwhelmed by personal struggles, he felt detached from life and indifferent to the consequences. Losing control, he crashed.
Upside down in the wreckage, Vilson saw red flashes against the window, realizing it was his blood, spurting from his arm with every heartbeat. This shocking clarity drove him to act. Crawling out of the car, he wrapped his arm with his shirt to slow the bleeding and stumbled onto the road, seeking help.
Several cars passed without stopping, wary of his appearance late at night. Desperate, he stood in the middle of the road, ready to risk being hit. The next car reversed and drove away. Exhausted and defeated, he slumped to the roadside, waiting for the inevitable.
Theme 2: Identity
Vilson’s earlier life helps explain how he reached that moment. Losing his mother young, he became involved in gang activities as a teenager. By 18, he had served six years in prison for a knife-related incident, receiving a severe sentence.
Vilson’s earlier life helps explain how he reached that moment. Losing his mother young, he became involved in gang activities as a teenager. By 18, he had served six years in prison for a knife-related incident, receiving a severe sentence.
After prison, he started turning his life around. He pursued education, earned a first-class degree (1:1), reconnected with his faith, and secured a job at a respected restaurant. Yet, despite these strides, the weight of his past lingered, contributing to the personal turmoil that led to the crash.
Theme 3: Hope
Back on the roadside, at his lowest point, Vilson heard a voice urging him to get up and walk. With no other choice, he obeyed, navigating the dark, empty road.
Back on the roadside, at his lowest point, Vilson heard a voice urging him to get up and walk. With no other choice, he obeyed, navigating the dark, empty road.
Eventually, he saw a distant light, which turned out to be a house. Knocking on the door, he collapsed as it opened. In a remarkable twist, the woman who answered was a former NHS trauma nurse. Her expertise saved his life and marked the start of his physical and emotional recovery.
About ME : Salome Tirado Okeze
I’m Salome Tirado, a 22-year-old nerd and geek who’s always loved school. From winning the mathematics prize in primary to earning awards like the Leslie Prize and headteacher’s award in secondary, I thrived academically. Growing up Nigerian-Spanish in Sussex, I stood out—and got bullied for it—but being different taught me to thrive in spaces where I didn’t fit the mold. That’s why I chose Computer Science: a male-dominated field where I knew I could shine.
Though I was a happy child, my late teens were tough. Losing close friends and family knocked my confidence, and I withdrew. University, however, became a turning point, helping me rediscover myself through meaningful friendships.
After completing a four-year degree apprenticeship, I began working at PwC, where I didn’t just do tech work—I also explored my creative side. From managing social media projects to filming a “day-in-the-life” video with PwC’s UK Chair, Kevin Ellis, my journey from tech apprentice to pitching ideas to the firm’s leadership still amazes me.
I’m passionate about being a role model, especially for young people who feel underrepresented. Whether speaking at conferences, working with charities like the Raspberry Pi Foundation, or collaborating with Google DeepMind to teach AI, I strive to show that people like me can break into tech. Messages from kids—like my brother—who’ve seen my posters in schools remind me why this matters.
My entrepreneurial journey began early. At 17, I co-founded Redefine, an online shop that sent profits to feed children in Yemen, Palestine, and Nigeria. Seeing our logo on food bags in Yemen was life-changing. Then, during the Black Lives Matter protests in 2020, I made a viral video that influencers shared, sparking my realization of the impact I could have.
Randomly buying a camera during uni led me to start my YouTube channel, where my first video—“Asking 100 Black People How to Pronounce Their Name”—took off.
The Birth of Tones
In a dark period of loneliness, I asked myself what kept me going. The answer? My friends, connecting with people, and hearing their stories. That inspired Tones. The first episode launched in November 2023, and by the second, global brand Mielle was on board as a sponsor.
In a dark period of loneliness, I asked myself what kept me going. The answer? My friends, connecting with people, and hearing their stories. That inspired Tones. The first episode launched in November 2023, and by the second, global brand Mielle was on board as a sponsor.
Tones breaks stereotypes and highlights the achievements of young people, particularly young Black individuals, showing that Gen Z is more than the lazy label we’re given.
While filming Tones, I shared my idea for a live show to showcase creatives and their stories. With music and storytelling always close to my heart, this felt natural. When asked how I’d fund it, I said, “God.” Moments of provision—like finding €50 on the floor as a hungry 16-year-old in Spain or winning a £10,000 grant after spending my last earnings on a video project—remind me of His faithfulness.
Faith and Family
My faith anchors me. It’s personal and rooted in my belief that with God by my side, I can’t go too far wrong. My family—my parents, brother, cousins, and even my movie-director aunt—are my biggest supporters, always reminding me of my potential.
My faith anchors me. It’s personal and rooted in my belief that with God by my side, I can’t go too far wrong. My family—my parents, brother, cousins, and even my movie-director aunt—are my biggest supporters, always reminding me of my potential.
Tones is a dream come true, and I’m grateful for every step that’s brought me here.
In May 2024 we hosted a small live Tones recording where we first shared Vilson's story. The footage we got from this day was corrupted which fuelled me to re-tell Vilson's impactful story on the big stage in Tones Live 2024
Vilson Duarte Dong: Tones Live 2024
Crib entertainment- a talent group of siblings: Tones Live 2024
