Britain's Got Talent winner Tokio Myers talks ahead of Birmingham show

After previous winners of the Simon Cowell show have been artists such as dance group Diversity, music theatre quartet Collabro, and singer/songwriter Jai McDowall, Tokio was undoubtedly unique - coming out top in the ITV programme with remixed piano pieces.

But Tokio was no stranger to the industry when he entered the contest, having previously performed as a session musician for the likes of Kayne West and Amy Winehouse.

The London artist says music has helped turn his life around - and is very much looking forward to taking to the road on his tour this April for the first time as a solo star.

He comes to Birmingham's O2 Institute on April 8.

"The tour sold out in five minutes, which says a lot," says Tokio.

"I’m very excited to be going on tour for the first time.

"Music kept me out of trouble. Years have gone by and I’ve realised just how long I spent perfecting my craft."

The pianist released his debut album Our Generation in November last year through Simon Cowell's Syco Music, on which the star served as a producer - a rarity on the music mogul's label.

Tokio says he created the record for those who he claims have been 'inspired' by his rise to stardom - and has praised the piece of work for its originality.

"I’m really proud of the album," adds Tokio.

"It’s called Our Generation. It’s something I thought about for such a long time.

"It’s for the kids and people that have been inspired by the journey I’ve been on.

"We need to inspire our kids. Kids of the future want the truth, otherwise we’re just going round in circles.

"We as human beings love being creative. That doesn’t just mean music either; even just going to the gym counts.

"Can you imagine a world without music? Whether you’re partying or chilling to it. It’s crucial.

"Everyone can benefit from picking up an instrument. Even if it’s just learning a few pop chords. It’s such a fun, relaxing thing to do.

"I’m a man on a mission right now.

"I’m so excited about the album. It feels very new. No one’s done this kind of thing before.

"It’s the first time something like this could be in the charts.

"I’m trying to switch everyone’s lights on."

As a mark of his success, Tokio became a Yamaha Piano Artist back in November last year - joining the likes of Sir Elton John, Sir Paul McCartney, John Legend, Alicia Keys, Jamie Cullum and Jools Holland.

He described the accolade as 'a dream come true'.

"I’ve been a fan of Yamaha ever since I was a kid. I’ve used their instruments a lot for live shows over the years," says Tokio.

"It seemed like the right time to get together with and represent Yamaha and be an ambassador for them.

"I’m really looking forward to doing all sorts of stuff with them. Doing workshops for kids, for instance."

Tokio's vision seems to be very much geared around helping future generations - saying his dream would be to set up a music school for youngsters after he won Britain's Got Talent.

"The school I intend to create is probably a long way off from now, but it’s one of my dreams," adds Tokio.

"It wouldn’t just be for disadvantaged kids, but everyone.

"I’ve had so many messages from kids saying how much they’ve been inspired by my story.

"I’ve realised this whole thing is a lot bigger than just making an album and building a career.

"To help those kids would be such a cool thing to do."