Blind street musician Abraham Cetywayo celebrates 10th year playing for festival crowds near the cathedral in Makhanda. Music is his passion and livelihood.
For nearly 10 years, Abraham Cetwayo has been playing his keyboard at the National Arts Festival in Makhanda, formally known as Grahams Town. The gospel organist and keyboard performer has come back every year and is a highlight at the market during the festival.
The street market is a thrifters dream and Abraham’s music can be heard echoing through the square. Abraham’s story is an inspirational one, never letting his disability rule his life, he lives humbly but with a zest for life!
“I want to bring joy into people’s lives and encourage them to do good things in the world”
He was born blind and at the age of 12, one of his teachers encouraged him to take piano lessons at the local disability centre. He has been playing ever since!
His talent helps support his family as he makes enough money from tips to carry them through most of the year. Abraham is a father of three and married to his wife Martha, who is partially blind.
The family man used to take his son, Ntombovuyo, with him to the festival. They would set up his equipment and his son would collect the tips from people passing by and store them safely. Now all grown up, his son has encourages the grandchildren to help him out during the festival.
As Abraham is blind, he would be unable to set up and collect his tips on his own. Having his family support him is his biggest blessing.
“I like to involve my boys. They can watch the crowd, enjoy the music and make sure all the tips are safely put away.”
Now his biggest dream is to be included in the official Arts Festival programme. He wishes to share his music with the world. Let’s see if we can help make his dream come true!
Take a listen to his talent below.
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