Sarah Njoki Ikumu is a British-Kenyan singer and songwriter who rose to fame after receiving Simon Cowell’s Golden Buzzer on Britain’s Got Talent in 2017. She is known for her powerful vocals, R&B and soul music style, and electrifying stage performances. The Milton Keynes native gained international recognition at just 15 years old and has since built a successful career as an independent artist with performances at prestigious venues like the Apollo Theater and Glastonbury Festival.
Sarah Ikumu Wikipedia
| Field | Details |
| Full name | Sarah Njoki Ikumu |
| Gender | Female |
| Date of birth | March 23, 2001 |
| Age | 24 years old (as of December 2025) |
| Place of birth | Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, England |
| Current residence | Milton Keynes, England |
| Nationality | British |
| Ethnicity | Kenyan |
| Zodiac sign | Aries |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Sexual orientation | Straight |
| Height | Not publicly disclosed |
| Weight | Not publicly disclosed |
| Hair colour | Black |
| Eye colour | Dark brown |
| Marital status | Single |
| Spouse | N/A |
| Children | None |
| Parents | Alex Gatoto (father), Sarah (mother) |
| Alma mater | Arts1 School of Performance, University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM) |
| Profession | Singer, songwriter |
| Net worth | $1.5 million – $5 million (estimated) |
Who is Sarah Ikumu?
Sarah Ikumu is a British singer of Kenyan descent who captured global attention during the 2017 season of Britain’s Got Talent. At 15 years old, she performed an emotionally charged rendition of “And I Am Telling You” from the musical Dreamgirls. Her audition earned her the coveted Golden Buzzer from Simon Cowell, sending her straight to the live semi-finals.
The Milton Keynes-born vocalist has Kenyan roots through both her parents. She was raised in a Christian household where faith and family values shaped her character. Before her BGT appearance, Sarah had already won the Milton Keynes Young Musician of the Year award and performed at various local events.
How old is Sarah Ikumu? Age and birthday
Sarah Ikumu is 24 years old as of December 2025. She was born on March 23, 2001, in Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, England. Her zodiac sign is Aries.
What is Sarah Ikumu’s net worth?
As of 2025, Sarah Ikumu’s net worth is estimated between $1.5 million and $5 million. She has built her fortune through music releases, live performances, social media content, and brand collaborations. Her income sources include streaming royalties from platforms like Spotify and Apple Music, YouTube ad revenue, performance fees, and independent music sales.
The singer has released several singles including “Waiting” (2021), “Save You” (2019), “Go Back” (2024), and “Creep” (2022). She also featured on S.A.M.’s hit track “Spotlight” in 2022, which gained significant traction in the house music scene.
Sarah Ikumu’s career
Britain’s Got Talent breakthrough
Sarah’s life changed on April 15, 2017, when she auditioned for Britain’s Got Talent Series 11. She performed “And I Am Telling You” by Jennifer Hudson, one of the most vocally demanding songs in musical theater. Simon Cowell was so impressed that he immediately pressed his Golden Buzzer, describing her performance as possessed.
She progressed to the semi-finals where she finished third in her heat but was brought back as a wildcard by the judges. In the final, she performed “Rise Up” by Andra Day with a gospel choir backing her vocals. She did not win the competition, but her performances earned her widespread recognition and millions of views online.
Post-BGT career
After BGT, Sarah focused on developing her artistry. In 2018, at just 16 years old, she performed at the world-famous Apollo Theater in Harlem, New York, on the show “Showtime at the Apollo.” Her rendition of “Glory” by Common and John Legend received a standing ovation and brought some judges to tears.
She attended Arts1 School of Performance in Milton Keynes before receiving scholarships to study at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM) in the United States. This formal training helped refine her vocal technique and stage presence.
Music releases and performances
Sarah launched her independent music career with the single “Save You” in May 2019. The soulful R&B track showcased her growth as an artist beyond covers. In March 2021, she released “Waiting,” a deeply personal song about patience and self-worth. The track received positive reviews from fans and music critics.
In 2022, she collaborated with Danish producer S.A.M. on “Spotlight,” which became a club hit and was remixed by DJ Sam Divine. The song gained over 1.6 million streams on Spotify.
Sarah performed at Glastonbury Festival in June 2023, one of Europe’s biggest music festivals. She described it as a “pinch me moment” on her Instagram. In 2023, she also became the lead vocalist for “Dream Again,” the anthem of Dream Exchange, a stock exchange platform.
Her latest single “Go Back” was released in December 2024. The empowering R&B anthem about self-worth and moving on from toxic relationships has resonated with her growing fanbase.
Social media presence
Sarah maintains an active presence on social media platforms. Her Instagram account (@sarahikumu) has over 95,000 followers. She regularly posts vocal covers, behind-the-scenes content, and personal updates. Her YouTube channel has accumulated over 72,000 subscribers, featuring original songs, acoustic performances, and vocal covers.
She uses TikTok to share shorter performance clips and connect with younger audiences. Her viral videos often feature throwback performances from BGT and new material.
Who are Sarah Ikumu’s parents?
Sarah Ikumu was born to Kenyan immigrant parents who settled in Milton Keynes, England. Her father is Alex Gatoto, who works as an HGV (Heavy Goods Vehicle) truck driver and serves as a pastor. Her mother, also named Sarah, works as a care worker.
The family moved to Kenya for two years between 2011 and 2013. During this time, Sarah’s singing talent became more widely known in local communities. Her parents have been supportive of her music career from a young age, taking her to auditions and performances while she balanced schoolwork.
Faith plays a central role in the Ikumu household. Sarah often speaks about how her Christian upbringing influences her music and keeps her grounded despite fame.
Sarah Ikumu’s education
Sarah attended school in Milton Keynes and was studying for her GCSEs (General Certificate of Secondary Education) when she auditioned for Britain’s Got Talent in 2017. She balanced her Year 11 studies with performing commitments during the show.
After completing secondary education, she enrolled at Arts1 School of Performance in Milton Keynes, a specialized performing arts institution. There, she studied musical theatre and vocal performance, graduating with honors.
Sarah later received multiple scholarships to attend the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM) in Ohio, United States. CCM is one of America’s top music conservatories. She studied vocal performance and continued developing her craft under professional guidance.
Is Sarah Ikumu married? Boyfriend and relationship status
Sarah Ikumu is not married. She is currently single and has not publicly disclosed any romantic relationships. The singer maintains privacy about her personal life and focuses on her music career.
On social media, she occasionally posts humorous content about relationships and future partners but has not confirmed dating anyone. At 24 years old, she appears focused on building her music career and connecting with her fanbase.
Fast facts about Sarah Ikumu
- Sarah’s full name is Sarah Njoki Ikumu. “Njoki” is a Kikuyu name from Kenya.
- She was scouted by Britain’s Got Talent producers before her audition, a common practice for the show.
- Her BGT audition video has been viewed over 38 million times on the official Britain’s Got Talent YouTube channel.
- In 2024, she performed at Buckingham Palace, describing it as a surreal experience.
- She still lives with her parents in Milton Keynes despite her success.
- Sarah specializes in modern R&B and soul music but can sing across multiple genres including gospel, jazz, and pop.
- She cites Whitney Houston, Jennifer Hudson, and Aretha Franklin as major vocal influences.
- Her Apollo Theater performance in 2018 was described as “the most moving performance of the night” by the judges.
- She performs regularly at churches and faith-based events, honoring her Christian background.
- Sarah continues to release music independently without a major record label deal, maintaining creative control over her work.
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Wrapping up
Sarah Ikumu has transformed from a teenage Britain’s Got Talent sensation into a respected independent artist. Her journey from Milton Keynes to international stages demonstrates her dedication to her craft. With a net worth estimated between $1.5 million and $5 million, multiple successful singles, and performances at world-renowned venues, the 24-year-old British-Kenyan singer continues to build her legacy. Her powerful voice, combined with her humble personality and strong faith, has earned her a loyal fanbase across the globe.
References
- Famous Birthdays. “Sarah Ikumu – Age, Family, Bio”
- Nation Africa. “Sarah Ikumu: Teen with Kenyan roots who melted Simon Cowell’s heart”
- Medium. “From Milton Keynes, UK, to Global Applause — The Rise of Sarah Ikumu”
- The Sun. “I got a golden buzzer on BGT – but I was scouted, it’s totally normal”
- Daily Mail. “Britain’s Got Talent’s Sarah Ikumu groomed to be a star”
- PR Newswire. “Sarah Ikumu Performs at Glastonbury Festival, 2023”
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