Despite Grace Alache Jerry’s disability, she has been using music to advocate and influence change in her community. At the centre of her musical career, she uses every opportunity to bring the world’s attention to the challenges faced by millions of physically challenged Nigerians.
Recently, Jerry was in the United States of America where she attended the Mandela Washington Programme for Young African Leaders and met President Barack Obama. In this chat with TS Weekend, she spoke about her encounter with the most powerful man in the world, her passion for music and heart for the physically challenged. Excerpts:
How did music begin for you?
Music started a long time ago for me. I started from the church choir like many other musicians of today. Music is me; it’s my story and my future. I draw inspiration from everyday’s challenges. Every time I struggle to use the bathroom because of designs that are not inclusive, I think music. When there is a bomb blast that renders persons disabled, I want to sing peace and inclusion of persons with disabilities in peace building processes. Everyone has got a platform to speak up for those who have lost their voices, and for Grace Jerry, it is music.
You were not born this way, so how did it happen?
No one wants to live or be born with impairments, it just happens. Mine was as a result of an accident 13 years ago. A drunk driver knocked me down on my way back from church. It was a sad experience but I have moved on because there is so much ahead for me. I am a happy person today, fulfilling destiny. I am human first before disability and the world needs to see that.
How did the encouragement come that you began to do great things?
I have never considered death because I didn’t create it in the first place. Despite the challenges, there is still so much to be thankful for. My latest single, I Am Grace, will tell you about many more lives to touch and hopes to rebuild. So, why would I consider not living?
Tell us about your experience in the United States as a Mandela Washington fellow?
I was privileged to be selected as one of the 500 young African leaders to be part of President Barak Obama’s Young African Leadership Initiative (YALI) out of over 30,000 applications. Participating in the 2015 Mandela Washington fellowship programme is one experience I can’t forget. It was seven weeks of learning, sharing passion and experience with 500 young Africans doing amazing things in their communities. YALI 2015 has made me a better person with great inspiration to deepen my advocacy efforts, as it concerns promoting the rights of Nigerians with disabilities. I am back home now and it is time to translate the experience into action.
You introduced your other counterparts to President Barack Obama. What did you tell him?
First, I must confess that it was a privilege to have been selected to introduce President Obama on stage. I didn’t see it coming because we had other amazing fellows who could have done a great job at the introduction too. Somehow, I was chosen to announce him on stage. Perhaps, the YALI tribute song I had produced with the support of other fellows to announce the new Africa we believed in before visiting the US, created the platform. My speech was simple; it was about Africa and the important roles her youthful population could play in reshaping the continent with the right support. From Uganda to Kenya, Nigeria to Lesotho, you can feel young people’s contributions to national development, whether in music, arts or even advocacy. I reassured President Obama of our readiness to recreate our continent, so we can take our place and provide solutions.
Did you sing for President Obama? How did you feel meeting the most powerful president in the world?
I didn’t get the chance to sing but the video of the YALI tribute song, which I had composed with the support of other fellows, was shown at the summit and President Obama watched it. The song speaks about hope, courage and the future of Africa; it speaks to the youths as the new catalyst for change. It’s titled E Go Happen, and e don dey happen already because Africa dey move forward. Meeting the most powerful president in the world is a special feeling because it takes the limits off you. It provides fresh inspiration to continue in that which you believe in. Well, I wouldn’t know if President Obama danced to the song in private but I know he commended me for my advocacy efforts and the work we are doing with Inclusive Friends in Nigeria.
What inspired E Go Happen?
E Go Happen is our story and the future we see possible for our nation and continent. It is a prophesy about greater days ahead. E Go Happen is a deliberate attempt to believe in Nigeria and Africa. It recognises the fact that we have challenges like every other continent, but we still see a prosperous future. I was inspired by the passion I saw among the African fellows. We were from different countries with diverse experiences and backgrounds but united by one common goal of recreating our continent. E Go Happen also speaks to individuals and families, regardless of how difficult it seems today; tomorrow holds greater promise.
How do you see music and entertainment?
Music is beyond beats and captivating lines for me. It is an advocacy tool to influence change. I believe in the power of music to heal, inspire and influence positive action. In our work at Inclusive Friends in Jos, Plateau State, we have used music to build toilets and provide water for children with disabilities. Through music, we have amplified the voices of persons with disabilities in Nigeria and we don’t plan to stop anytime soon.
Can you explain more the ‘music for toilets’ concept you created?
Music for Toilets is a benefit concert that seeks to raise awareness on the sanitation crisis and challenges faced by millions of Nigerians with disabilities in accessing basic facilities. We are all familiar with the water and sanitation crisis in the country but little is known about the experiences of Nigerians with disabilities like me, who struggle to have improved access to sanitation and safe water, because of barriers faced in using these facilities. Music for toilets is about activating the power of music to improve the lives of persons with disabilities through the provision of accessible water, sanitation and hygiene facilities. The uniqueness about the Music for Toilet benefit concert is that proceeds from these concerts is channeled towards providing accessible facilities for schools serving children with disabilities in Nigeria. It is held on November 20 every year, which is designated as World Toilet Day globally. So far, we have built 22 toilets and provided water for schools serving children with disabilities in Plateau State. But we still need support for this year’s event as many more schools serving children with disabilities need water and toilets.
Why do they call you Miss Wheelchair?
In 2010, I contested and won the first Miss Wheelchair beauty pageant in Nigeria, emerging as the national queen and official spokesperson for 25.5 million Nigerians with disabilities. It was a great opportunity to promote and protect the rights of Persons with Disabilities. It was also an opportunity to learn a lot about disability issues and build my advocacy skills, which are useful today.
How about your family?
My family is sweet. It’s a big family of great individuals. We have our issues like other families, but we love each other so much and that makes all the difference.
Were your parents afraid when you wanted to go into music?
Not at all, they have been very supportive. I grew up in a music family where my mother and aunty were active members of the choir, sometimes holding choir rehearsals at home. We all grew up singing. My parents believe in my talent and provided necessary support for me to follow my dreams. They are part of the reasons I have come this far in life, I owe a lot to them.
Who are the people that have inspired you in life?
A lot of people have inspired me. But, most importantly, the persons with disabilities we serve in our work at Inclusive Friends in Jos inspire me greatly. They give me reasons to speak up more at the highest levels.
You are confident and full of life. Do you really have fears and vulnerable moments?
Of course, I have big fears like every other human being, but just knowing that your life counts gives you courage to face life. Sometimes, I feel weak and scared. Then I find more reasons to hang on and continue this great work. God has called and commissioned me for this great work and He equips me with strength daily.
What will you tell people living with disabilities?
There are no barriers to greatness. The biggest disability is that of the mind when you feel hopeless. So many persons with disabilities have achieved a lot despite their challenges. There is no reason why we can’t make our mark in this life. For instance, Cobhams is a shining example of sheer determination and courage. On this chair, I have met and interacted with the most powerful president in the world, a feat not so many persons have achieved. If Grace Jerry can come this far, then every person with disability can equally aspire for greatness. Pick up yourself and face life and let your life redefine what disability should be.
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