Visually-impaired teacher successfully launches gospel music album

Joy, fun, excitement and celebration, these are but a few words to describe the feelings of hundreds of music lovers who thronged the Paga Motel in the Kasena-Nankana West District over the weekend to witness the album launch of Mr. Hubert Addi, a visually-impaired teacher who doubles as a musician.

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 are widely spoken by the people in that area.

He has worked harder to shapen 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 he has carved for himself both home and away and to reach farther with his “Word of God”, for Mr. Addi, was a dream he never thought would come true.

The album launch was hugely successful, giving patrons indelible memories to take home and came off after several weeks of planning by family and friends who have been amazed by his talent from the very beginning.

The event was characterized by exciting performances from a lineup of very known music arts in the area such as Willy Young, Carlblings and Mary Azubam who took turns to thrill the mammoth crowd which kept asking more.

Several respected personalities from the traditional and political settings and the 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 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. They should embrace their disability and work hard to make life better and easier for themselves”.