The second edition of the Sauti Canvas is underway. The Canvas is a revolutionary talent search and exposure platform that provides opportunities for young people under 30 years with and without disabilities to explore and showcase their natural abilities in art and music.
The Sauti Canvas is centred around the need to break the bias around persons with disabilities. It had its first edition in 2021 under the theme “Focus on Abilities” within three music categories: Hip Hop & Rap, Instrumentalists and Dance.
We spoke to Kaggwe David Kiberu – one of the runners up from the first edition of the Canvas – about his experience:
- Tell us a bit about yourself.
My name is Kaggwe David Kiberu aka Daviks Beatboxer – a beatboxing artist, gaffer and dmx lighting technician. I have a hearing impairment which I discovered at the age of 9, and have been beatboxing for 9 years. I work at The Villa as a stage lighting technician.
- What inspired you to sign up for the first edition of the Sauti Canvas?
What inspired me to sign up was the urge to showcase my talent and explore greater heights that will grow my resume and beatboxing career.
- Why do you think platforms like this are necessary in Uganda and the world?
Such platforms provide opportunities for talented individuals with disabilities and impairments to expose their potential and compete with fully able people.
Talented individuals with disabilities tend to be left out – which frustrates their gifts and potential. So, in my view, the Sauti Canvas is a good way to give them an opportunity.
- What was the highlight of your experience in the first edition of the Sauti Canvas?
The tension of competition and the good work ethic of the organisers – all the way from production to welfare.
- What advice do you have for young people living with disabilities?
A disability shouldn’t be a barrier to your potential. Do what you can and what is within your means. Stand out boldly and confidently when such opportunities arise.
To be a part of the second edition, interested individuals need only to submit a 60-second creative video of themselves performing in any of these categories: Dance, Instrumental, Vocals, Poetry, or Spoken Word.
The submissions deadline is the 20th of March 2024, and can either be dropped off physically at the offices of Reach A Hand Uganda in Kansanga or via WhatsApp on 0764364876.
Sauti Canvas is brought to life by Reach A Hand Uganda, Light For The World, Sauti Plus Media Hub, CBM, SRHR Alliance, NUDIPU, The Hewlett Foundation, NRG Radio and ADD International.
