Edwin Omulama is an inABLE alum and a performing artist. However, he admits that mastering musical instruments wasn’t difficult for him. His sentiments give credence to a study that showed individuals who were either born blind or became blind before the age of three had heightened senses of hearing, smell, and touch compared to those who were not blind (Plos One). The research used detailed brain scans to compare the brains of people who were blind to the brains of people who were not blind.

“For blind people, our concentration depends on listening and voice coordination, as that is how we move about life. By listening and touching,” Edwin asserts and adds, “I found it extremely easy to learn from YouTube music tutorials a few hours per week. I could master guitar keys in a year, and after a few years, I learned the keyboard layout. By simply listening.”

Besides the YouTube lessons, his brother, who was in a band, influenced his passion for music, and now Edwin has his own music band. Edwin is not the only alum who has ventured into the music industry. More than 10 Computer-Labs-for-the-Blind Program alum members are pursuing their dream of music. It gives us so much joy watching them follow their passions unhindered.

Written by: Esther Mwangi, PR Officer, inABLE