There is a common saying that says “disability is not inability”, this is so evident to a daily routine of a blind couple who have committed themselves into a COVID-19 awareness initiative through music in Malawi.

As early as 7:00 a.m. (6:00 GMT), the family of Mr. and Mrs. Adaki together with their guiding child would arrive at a place near Queens Elizabeth Central Hospital in Blantyre where they always share their music to people passing through that way.

In most cases, Mr. Adaki plays the guitar and his wife plays a heavy African drum. According to this duet band, they have been doing this service in Blantyre for over 10 years. Their main purpose for doing such outstanding service has been to outsource enough money that can support their family which has six children.

However, for the past few days, the couple decided to extend their music service into a COVID-19 information sharing initiative in efforts to reach people around the city, mainly at the hospital.

Throughout their music career, their playlist included a good number of folk and religious songs. With this new initiative, they have added a variety of informative songs about COVID-19.

In their her own words, Mrs. Adaki pledged to continue helping the government in spreading relevant information about COVID-19.

“Lately, we observed that there is a need for us to share what we know about COVID-19 with the public, music is a very powerful tool as far as sharing information is concerned. For years, I have seen people enjoying our music and am sure they will be keeping these songs in their hearts as well,” she said.

Similarly, Mr. Adaki believes that their music will play a vital role in the fight against the pandemic. According to him, every citizen has a crucial role in the fight regardless of their physical makeup.

“As a family, we don’t look down on ourselves just because we are physically challenged or because we are uneducated. There is a lot of work that is needed to be done for our country to get back to normal. Our music has been rooted from three information principals, that is to inform, educate and entertain people. Much as we have been educating people on various subjects, I believe our songs on COVID-19 have a significant role in this crisis,” he said.

Commenting on the development, people doing business around the hospital have commended this unique initiative saying its timely and crucial.

Sam Kayipa, a shop keeper, said the couple has been a great source of entertainment around the hospital. According to him, the band has a special musical touch that makes everyone to stop and listen whenever they are playing.

“It is always a great pleasure listening daily performances of this couple, at first, I had limited knowledge about COVID-19 pandemic. However, due to their music and poetry narrations, I have a vast knowledge on the subject,” he said.

Meanwhile, the couple planned to extend their service into all major markets in Blantyre in order to reach more people. (Xinhua)
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