A local kakakin created a loud & proud cacophony

Under the admiring eyes of the public, Mariama, our hostess tells us: “although they do not hear, they can follow the rhythm of the song.” How awesome ! Three young women and three young men with hearing impairments who dance on rhythmic music and whose movements are in perfect sync. It was hard to believe that they did not hear the traditional Tuareg music (tande) which sometimes gave way to modern dance, always in tune.

Do you believe a deaf person can be a sign language interpreter? Of course yes! With Voice, no exclusion ! Our translator of the day took up the challenge of being able to transmit to the young dancers everything that was going on.

The above were just two moments of #beautifultrouble that happened during the recent Kakakin (Amplifier in Hausa) or a local talent show in Niger. Completely organised by the partners of Voice in Niger, the Kakakin’s goal was to give voice to the rightsholders directly so that they can express and be themselves. To say what they like and don’t like. To say what they want and don’t want.

The super “slameuses” and “slameurs” participating in A Toi la Parole coordinated by local organisation GONI have demonstrated once again that disability is not an inability!

“Tchalouou 10, Crampon 10, it’s not my name!” Kadidja vigorously slams, “Do not call me that because I’m disabled.” The other slams -equally impressive -are all available via the Youtube Channel of GONI. Then it was Wassila’s turn a young girl with a hearing impairment who dazzled the crowd with her freehand drawing while Mariama, a young women with visual impairments entertained the audience with a revisited traditional tale.

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The day proceeded with a tour of the exposition stands to appreciate the daily work of the members of the various rightsholder groups. It was a festival of colours with handmade multi-coloured items and a teaser to the nose as the scents of incense that filled the room.

The last demonstration was that of Abdourahamane Garba, young man who happened to be blind who showed us off his skill: chalk manufacturing.

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Finally, the quizzes of Mariama, kept everyone alert throughout the day. But the real surprise of the day were the closing words Mariama’s mother who thanked every one for the efforts and support to people with disabilities.

Niger’s certainly got talent and the kakanin was a great way to show it!

To get a great impression of the excitement of the day, please have a look at this video: