Edwin Chebre sits in a chair in the shade of an avocado tree on his mother's property, sheltering himself from the scorching afternoon sun that characterizes February.
He is glued to his phone, scrolling through social media content and listening to his favorite pastime: music.
In this sitting position, you might not realize that the well-groomed and cheerful Edwin has a physical disability and has been unable to move since birth.
The 26-year-old budding gospel musician from Baringo County is popularly known by his stage name Edu Blessings.
Beneath this tree, just a few meters from the road, Edwin spends most of his time chatting with passersby.
Rose Cheboiwo helps her 26-year-old son, Edwin Chebre, put on his shoes at their home in Umoja Estate, Captimbor village, on February 6, 2024.
Photo credit: Flora Koch | Nation Media Group
It was under this tree at his mother's house in Umoja Estate, Kaputimbor village, on the outskirts of the town of Kabanet, that all his songs were composed.
Because of his illness, his mother, Rose Cheboiwo, has to carry him on her back all the time when they move from one place to another, including to Kabanet's studio where he records his songs.
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Born as the eldest in a family of five, he was diagnosed with delayed milestones a few months after birth, and until now had been unable to sit, stand, or even walk on his own.
Despite his illness, Edwin is always cheerful, always the first to start a conversation and ready to share his experiences and aspirations.
But his journey to becoming a gospel artist was no walk in the park, he said. nation visited his house.
Due to the rugged terrain and poor road network, the gospel artist is unable to use his wheelchair to reach the main road, which is almost 500 meters from his home. And he still has to go to the recording studio in Kabanet Town, about 3 kilometers away.
To move from one place to another, such as going to the toilet or sitting, you need to use a cart.
“It's not easy, but that didn't deter me from realizing my dream. I spend every day hoping that my future is bright,'' he said.
Edwin loved to sing from an early age. Because of his disability, he enrolled in Kobil Primary School, a facility for learners with disabilities in neighboring Iten town in Elgeyo-Marakwet district.
He was inspired to become a gospel singer when he was in elementary school, when a disabled gospel artist, Flora Cheptum, was invited to perform at the school.
Edwin Chebre, better known by his stage name Edu Blessings, at a recording studio in Cabanet Town on February 1, 2024.
Photo credit: Flora Koch | Nation Media Group
“I gained a new perspective on life: I can do anything and overcome obstacles,” Edwin said. nation.
After completing his secondary education at St. Paul's High School Charela in 2019, he started writing and recording songs a year later. Along the way, he recorded over nine songs.
“I love singing songs by famous artists, and in 2020 I decided to forge my own path and started writing songs,” he said.
“Sitting alone in the shade of this tree gives me a lot of inspiration to write songs. I can't walk or do anything on my own, so most of the day I just sit. I wrote several songs under , and nine of them were recorded under my name.”
He pays a minimum of Sh3,000 to record a song, which is not always easy to come by. His dream is to record a few songs, although it will be expensive.
“I am planning to purchase an electric wheelchair to help me get around. It will also ease the burden on my mother of carrying me on her back from one place to another and allow me to engage in meaningful activities rather than just staying at home.” 'Please take care of me,' the artist appealed to those in need.
The rainy season, especially when the mother has to go to the shopping center, becomes even more difficult for both mother and son, as there is always the risk of getting caught in the rain while Edwin is away.
“When she has to go out on such errands, she leaves me with a polythene bag to cover herself in case it rains because I can’t move,” he explained.
The singer appealed to people living with disabilities to embrace their disabilities and try to do something to earn a living instead of living in denial.
“Even though my legs and hands are weak, I have a golden voice that takes me along,” he said.
Rose Cheboiwo carries her 26-year-old disabled son, Edwin Chebre (inset), at her home in the village of Captinboul, on the outskirts of Kabanet town, on February 6, 2024.
Photo credit: Flora Koch | Nation Media Group
Edwin's mother said his illness meant she had to care for him at home and was forced to live hand-to-mouth.
“He can't sit up on his own or even walk, so it's not easy to take care of him,” she said.
“He sings very well, but going to the studio is a nightmare because of his condition. I have to carry him on my back every time from the house to the main road and then to the studio,” added Cheboiwo. .
She said many boda riders avoid riding their sons because of their weight and their inability to sit in tandem on their own.
“So I have to carry him on my back wherever he wants to go. Normally I should be working to support my other children, but no one wants to help him.'' I can’t do that because I don’t have anyone to take care of me,” the mother said.
