Prince Nsah Edwin, though visually challenged, has proven that he is handicapable. Using music as a veritable tool to champion societal inclusion has become a prime for him which is bonding the challenged on unchallenged persons in communities not only in the Noth West Cameroon but beyond.
He is a young Cameroonian artist who before now was barred access to perform in events because he is blind. That did not kill his zeal to make his voice heard through music. Now, Nsah Edwin has become famous for using music to accelerate the inclusion of Persons with Disabilities in mainstream society.
Prince Nsah Edwin, 29, is not only a musician/song writer, but he is also Journalist. he hails from Bamenda, Cameroon’s North West Region.
Most Persons with Disabilities in Cameroon feel that society has relegated them to the position of being beneficiaries in all human endeavors.
Worried by this conception, Nsah is poised to avert the status quo with his “Music for Change”.
Specialised in the gospel, a holy musical genre, inspirational and societal music, the dynamic artist is on the mission to set the standard for a disability-friendly society.
According to Zita Atangche, Music Manager for Nsah Edwin, it has been a rough but fruitful path with the artist.
She says this is because, from the very outset, people would not let a blind man perform in their events.
The journey started back in 2018 when Zita met with Edwin at a popular radio station in Bamenda, where they both worked as Journalists.
Prince Nsah Edwin’s Manager saw great talent in the artist, but society would not allow him to blossom.
In many rural communities in Cameroon, like elsewhere in Africa, Persons with Disabilities have often been considered a social burden; a situation that has made many of them give into despair.
They are not seen to have any skills. Prince Nsah Edwin is quite aware of this belief.
Through his Music for Change, the 2021 Mandela Fellowship alumnus strives to rekindle self-esteem in his peers.
The artist is convinced that Musicians are Prophets and Philosophers who identify and propose solutions to problems plaguing humanity.
“I seek to ensure that disability inclusion becomes a reality through my songs,” Nsah revealed to TWIF NEWS.
The Human Rights Journalist cum artist is an author of several soundtracks in which he portrays Persons with Disabilities as talented and skilful people.
One of his soundtracks that has received wide appraisal by his fans in Bamenda and beyond is “I Am Me” released in 2018.
The artist, in the track, considers all human beings as people with potentials; whether with or without any disability.
How people use their different talents to impact society positively is what matters to the renowned artist.
“Everyone is unique in their characteristics, and thus, there is always something to offer to society,” said the artist’s Manager.
But could people love the artist out of sympathy for his visual impairment?
Earlier on, you were told that Prince Nsah Edwin was denied access to perform in events on the basis that he is blind.
I don’t know why society should condemn someone based on their disability, colour, race or religion, but this is not uncommon in Cameroon.
The Music Manager of Prince Nsah Edwin, Zita Atangche who is equally the founder of New Breed Africa Foundation, has remained committed to finding space for artists with disabilities in Cameroon.
“Nsah Edwin is a super-talented artist with wisdom and energy that anyone who listens to his music is marvelled,” she intimated.
Despite being rejected by his people, Zita and Edwin would not give up.
Their desire to change the perception of people towards disability continues to grow like a Muster Seed.
The worst thing is that even his fellow artists often consider him a disgrace to the Music profession.
Today, there is a complete turnaround as the very people who despised Nsah Edwin now wine and dine with him.
The revolution has thus far been a profitable one as Persons With Disabilities in Bamenda and beyond are no longer considered as beneficiaries, but key actors of societal development.
“Anytime Prince Nsah Edwin mounts the stage, fans don’t want him to leave,” Zita averred.
Earlier in August 2021, Nsah Edwin dropped a 7-track album much to the satisfaction of fans who had been waiting for so long.
You could want to say that Prince Nsah and Zita Atangche have fought a good fight, but the race is not yet over.
It is the dream of every artist to produce videos of their songs.
Zita believes that having a sponsor for her artists is very vital because of the lack of funds for video production.
“The world will certainly know more about Prince Nsah Edwin and his efforts in mainstreaming disability through music if we are supported to produce videos of his songs,” Zita noted hopefully.
Raising funds to promote the artist has been quite a challenge owing to an ongoing armed conflict in Cameroon’s English-speaking Northwest and Southwest regions.
The conflict broke out in 2016 and later escalated into a war that has paralysed socio-economic activities, making it difficult to source funds for the growth of the artist.
Despite the continuous fight, Zita and Edwin are optimistic that the artist’s dreams of restoring hope in Persons with Disabilities and realizing an inclusive society through music will be well accomplished.
You can reach out to Edwin and Zita on telephone calls and Whatsapp through +237680173138 and +237679592502.