Residents at Care UK’s Metchley Manor in Edgbaston, Birmingham, have proven that music truly transcends age, memory, and generations after a memorable visit from viral DJ sensation, DJ AG.
Music has long been known to unlock memories, bridge generational gaps, and bring happiness, and this was on full display during DJ AG’s visit to Metchley Manor. Residents—some of whom have dementia or are non-verbal—were seen coming to life, singing along to familiar lyrics, moving to the rhythm, and reconnecting with emotions that had long been forgotten.
Spanning over six generations, the event served as a poignant reminder that music is more than just entertainment; it is a universal language that connects people of all ages. The playlist included tracks from the 1950s to today, sparking cherished memories for many. Residents and their loved ones shared emotional moments, bonding through song and dance.
The most viral video from the event, which garnered over 3.6 million views on Instagram, shows DJ AG mixing M-Beat’s “Incredible,” featuring General Levy. The clip shows residents, including Bill Witlock, Clifford Sopp, Margaret O’Connor, and Christine Craig, dancing alongside the Metchley Manor staff.
While this impromptu drum and bass mix highlighted the evolution of music in care homes, the true heart of the session was its ability to bring everyone together.
A particularly moving moment occurred when 70-year-old resident Andrew Holt sang along to Louis Armstrong’s “What a Wonderful World,” deeply resonating with those in the room and even bringing a tear to his wife’s eye.
Another highlight came from 85-year-old Zereta Roberts, who led a touching rendition of Bob Marley’s “Three Little Birds” to honor his birthday. The session also celebrated love within the home, as two married couples joined in, holding hands and singing songs that marked the soundtrack of their lives.
DJ AG shared the memorable moments on Instagram and TikTok, where the videos quickly gained over five million views and hundreds of thousands of likes.
DJ AG reflected, “Bringing music and joy into care homes has been an amazing way to create moments of connection. Having a grandmother with dementia, this resonates deeply with me. Seeing the smiles and sense of togetherness has been incredibly inspiring. I’m passionate about expanding this initiative nationwide to ensure more care homes can experience the uplifting power of music. Metchley Manor was the first visit beyond London, and the energy and personalities there were incredible.”
Kim Marie Newton, General Manager at Metchley Manor, added: “Music is a lifeline for those living with dementia. While dementia can affect a person’s ability to communicate, it cannot take away their love for music. We witness it every day—residents who may struggle to recall names or places can still sing every word to a song from their youth. Music is woven into our memories, and hearing a familiar song can transport people back in time, bringing comfort, joy, and connection—not only for those with dementia but for all older individuals.”
She continued, “This session was for everyone, a testament to the power of music in care homes, not just for residents but for their families and our care team. Six generations were represented in that room, all united through music. Who would have thought we’d see residents and staff dancing to drum and bass alongside timeless classics from the ’50s, ’60s, and ’70s? It was a truly magical experience that we will never forget.”
Metchley Manor, which offers full-time residential and dementia care in a luxury setting, as well as short-term respite care, is dedicated to enabling residents to live active and fulfilled lives. The home embraces innovation and offers a variety of enriching activities to ensure residents enjoy joyful and fulfilling lives.
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