AN aspiring 14-year-old rapper performed a song about his positive experiences of Hillingdon foster care at a national conference last Friday.

Talented Elmi Llugigi rapped about his and sister Sofie’s three years in foster care at the National Children and Adult Services Conference in the London ExCel Centre.

Elmi performed in front of hundreds of social care directors, senior officers and cabinet member after he was spotted wowing another audience in Hillingdon last month.

In September, he received a standing ovation from adults and other children in foster care at Hillingon Council’s annual Kids in Care Awards and was asked to perform the rap again last Friday.

“I cannot begin to explain how good it feels to be noticed and listened to by people that can make a difference to the lives of us kids in care,” said Elmi.

“The raps are inspired by my life and I hope to inspire others and perhaps encourage other children in care to do the same.”

Elmi developed his love of music and performing while in foster care, which led to him learning about music production and gaining a work experience placement with a radio station.

Also a keen actor, Elmi recreceived a distinction in a London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts award.

“It’s been a roller coaster ride, so many ups and downs,” said Elmi. “There have been times when I wanted to be a normal kid and not have the restriction of being in care and times where I wished I had been in care all my life, “Luckily, I now know that being in care gives me opportunities I never would have had. I hope I can help other kids feel the same.”

Elmi’s foster parents, Steve Saville, 50, and Sarah McIntyre, 39, said: “We have been amazed at how quickly Elmi settled with us. We all just clicked and we have had lots of fun along the way.

“We know we have made a difference when we see him perform now, two years after him moving in with us.

“Elmi will say himself that, if he had not moved in with us, he would be on the streets now in all kinds of trouble.”

To see Elmi’s performance, visit http://blogs.idea.gov.uk/all-blog-posts/ www.hillingdon.gov.uk/fostering for more information on fostering in Hillingdon.