Folaranmi Ajayi
Society’s perception of disability has evolved over the years, but challenges remain. Prior to the present era, disability was often stigmatized or misunderstood, leading to exclusion and discrimination. However, there has been progress in perception of the rights of persons with disabilities. Initiatives promoting inclusion, accessibility, and equal opportunities have gained momentum, shifting the narrative towards empowerment and diversity.
Adebayo Opemipo
For Adetayo Opemipo Opiano, an artist whose life’s journey has been shaped by resilience and passion. Adebayo’s permanent impairment was man-made. A mistake from a nurse at his tender age of two. In spite of this, Adetayo has courageously faced enduring challenges throughout his life. Adebayo pursued his education by obtaining a Higher National Diploma (HND) in Iree, Osun State, and later serving at the NYSC camp in Afikpo, Ebonyi State.
Opemipo after finishing his exams.j with some of his coursemates
After his service year, he embraced his love for music, which has been both a profound passion and a challenging journey.
Beyond the physical implications, there are also social and psychological effects to consider. Opiano faced stigma or discrimination due to his disability, encountering societal attitudes that underestimate his abilities or limit his opportunities.
Journey into Disability
As two years old, Opemipo experienced a severe headache and fever. He went to hospital for a reprieve but a tragic mistake, the nurse accidentally injected medication into a vein, causing paralysis in half of his left leg. From henceforth, the challenges of his life began. Obstacles faced range from financial. transportation
Opemipo during his service(NYSC) year
Music Career, Background and campus journey
Opemipo music began immediately after his secondary school education in Ogun State. This started immediately after his admission to Osun State Polytechnics(OSPOLY). At OSPOLY, Opemipo met a friend, Lekzy Omoakin, a rapper whose professional wrapping skills are above average. Lekzy was already established and has a studio. Lekzy encouraged Opemipo to upscale and become more focused,
Lekzy gave Opemipo access to his studio where he had the chance to record his first song titled Gbogbo OMO Lomo. The lyrics advocated that all children are equal and valuable. Despite the challenges and setbacks along the journey, the song gave opemipo a level of limelight
Personal brand promotion and awards
Opemipo background in business administration helped significantly here. Opemipo’s state name is Opiano . “Promoting myself as an artist required applying marketing principles to build my brand and reach a wider audience”. Opemipo said. He was able to utilized his understanding of consumer behavior and promotional tactics to create compelling campaigns that resonated with his peers and beyond
Opiano’show promotion
Opemipo’s marketing strategies and results helped him to navigate competitions and collaborations. Opemipo’s activities won him awards ranging from best Artist and Best Rapper among others.
Promoting Disability rights through music
With Opemipo’s life challenges, experience, he uses his music to advocate for disability rights and inclusion in several impactful ways. One of the central messages in his songs is about overcoming challenges without excuses, whether they stem from physical limitations or financial constraints.
On several stage performances, Opemipo loudly strengthens issues of empowerment and resilience, emphasizing that disability should never hinder anyone from achieving their goals as well as challenge stereotypes and disability rights
Advice to Government and disability communities
Improving accessibility in the music industry for artists with disabilities is crucial for fostering inclusivity and equal opportunities. On physical Accessibility, studio owners, program organizers need to ensure venues, studios, and rehearsal spaces are fully accessible with ramps, elevators and accessible restrooms.
On technological accessibility, provision of assistive technologies and equipment that cater to different disabilities, such as hearing aids, captioning services for lyrics, and accessible musical instruments.
On representation and collaboration, establishing collaborations and partnerships between artists with disabilities and mainstream artists without disabilities should be encouraged. This will not only promote diversity in music but also raises awareness about the talent and contributions of artists with disabilities.
*Folarin Ajayi, a 2024 Disability and Inclusion reporting Fellow of Africa Foundation in conjunction with Centre for Disability and inclusion Africa sent in the above as part of mandatory requirement of the fellowship
