Joy, fun, excitement and celebration are but a few of the words that describe the feelings of hundreds of music lovers who thronged the Paga Motel in the Kasena-Nankana West District of the Upper East Region to witness the album launch of Hubert Addi, a visually-impaired teacher who contemplated suicide in the past.
Mr. Addi discovered his musical prowess at a tender age and has defied his disability to pursue the dream to become a great musician who uses the messages in his songs to touch people’s hearts and to draw them closer to God.
Over the past 10 years, Humble Hubert, as he is popularly known, has never stopped at using the least opportunity to entertain, educate and inspire people through his music which he sings mainly in Kasem and Nankani- the two languages widely spoken by the people in that area.
He has worked harder to sharpen his musical path, but launching his collection of songs –both old and new, to make them available and easily accessible to the numerous ardent admirers was a major milestone.
He has carved for himself a niche both home and away, a springboard for him to farther his ministry and the “Word of God”.
For Mr. Addi, this was a dream he never thought would come true.
The album launch was hugely successful, giving patrons indelible memories to take home.
The show came off after several weeks of planning by family and friends who have been amazed by his talent from the very beginning.
Characterized by exciting performances from a lineup of very known music arts in the area such as Willy Young, Carlblingx and Mary Azubam who took turns to thrill the mammoth crowd- the event was successful!
Several respected personalities from the traditional and political settings and academia attended the launch in honour of blind Hubert Addi whose story has truly been inspiring since he lost eyesight at the age of 19.
In a speech to end his performance after treating patrons to some of his good old and new tunes, Mr. Addi thanked God for helping him overcome the suicidal thoughts that occupied his mind 20 years ago when he found out he could never see again.
“When I realized my case could not be treated medically, cold run through my body. I saw the world black and the road of life ended. I tried in several ways to take my own life due to the ridicule, stigmatization, hardship, rejection. I didn’t know God could turn things around and make the impossible possible and the useless useful”. He told the jubilant audience.
He used the opportunity to thank the people for their unflinching support for his talent, musical journey and urged them to continuously support him in the future.
Kwame Nabare, who chaired the occasion, praised Mr. Addi for his immense contribution to the growth of music in the area. He assured him of his continuous support and urged others to do same. He gave an undisclosed amount of money in support of the launch.
Aside music, Mr. Hubert Addi is a Teacher at the Tedam Junior High School in Paga, where he teaches English Language. He holds a Degree in Basic Education from the University of Cape Coast.
Humble Hubert wants to continue to use his music to praise and propagate the word of God, inspire the youth and correct societal wrongs. To this end, the visually impaired musician is appealing to philanthropists to support his musical career.
Mr. Addi says he now sees his visual impairment as part of him and not a challenge that can stop him from giving off his best to his community as a Teacher and Musician.
He tells people who are in same condition “not to give up in life advising them to embrace their disability and work hard to make life better and easier for themselves”.
By Senyalah Castro|3news|Ghana