Tinafi Jonathan is an eleven years old visually impaired child from Bassa Local Government but he is resident in Jos North local Government of Plateau State. He is the second child of the three children of his parents and the only male child of the family. He has an elder sister and younger sister. Interestingly, he is into music.
In this interview with our correspondent, Bulus Bala Izang, he spoke so much about his exploits in music.
TQM. Is Tinafi going to school, if yes, in what class are you?
Ans. Yes, I am in school and in Primary class four.
TQM. You earlier told us, you are into music, what aspect of music are you into?
Ans. I sing songs in English, Hausa and Amoh Languages, I also do spoken words and I play some musical instruments, like the Keyboard, the Harmonica and the flute.
TQM. Do you have a particular place where you do your music presentation?
Ans. I do presentations in churches, events and other occasions on invitation.
TQM. What have been the response of people after such presentation of yours?
Ans. People are thrilled by my music presentation and they have been giving me their blessings.
TQM. Who taught you how to play these musical instruments?
Ans. For the Harmonica, one Charles Nweze in the year 2017 introduced and taught me how to play the harmonica, for the Flute, my mother gave a me clue on how to play it and I built on it, and for the Key board I learned it on my own.
TQM. For how long you been into music?
Ans. I have been into music for about four years now.
TQM. you are young and in school, what would you want to be in future?
Ans. I would like to be a musician and I also would want to be a pilot when I grow up.
TQM. Lastly, what assistance would you want from the government or any spirited individuals in the society reading your story?
Ans. I would like to be assisted to have a Foundation where children and other people with disabilities can be help to develop their talents.
TQM. Thank you for sharing you story with TQM.
Ans. Thank you sir.
TQM. Also have the following interaction with Tinafi’s mother, Madam Elizabeth.
TQM. Madam, may you introduce yourself to us and your relationship with Master Tinafi Jonathan?
Ans. My name is Elizabeth and by the grace of God, I am the mother of Tinafin Jonathan.
TQM. What can you tell us about Tinafi?
Ans. I gave birth to Tinafi in Kaduna in the year 2010, after a week, we notice that, he does not see very well, at first we thought it was jaundice, we treated jaundice. But later an ophthalmologist (eye Doctor) told us, that, the child has serious issue with his eyes, that we should be patient, may be with the passage of time he will get better. And up to date we are still hopeful and praying that his sight gets better.
TQM. Are you saying that Tinafi can see a little?
Ans. yes he can see, but just a little.
TQM. Can he walk around without assistance?
Ans. Within the home environment that he is familiar with, he goes about without assistance, but outside, he is being accompanied.
TQM. what was your feelings like, when the condition of your son was medically revealed to you?
Ans. I was heartbroken, because, I thought it was something that can be corrected. I cried at the thought that we cannot be help medically, I cried when he stumbles on things, but my dad encouraged me to stop crying, that, whatever this boy is going to become in life, these eyes are not going to stopped him, and since then, I have been well.
TQM. What talent have you discovered in Tinafi?
Ans. Before he starts talking, as baby, he hums and when he starts talking proper, he sings hymns. And when people hear him signs, they become amazed and they would usually charge me to develop him in music. To the glory of God, today, he sings and play some musical instruments like, the harmonica, the keyboard and the flute. He also fixed and manage some of the electronic gadgets we have at home.
TQM. How do you feel now as mother of a son with visual impairment, seeing all these talents in him?
Ans. I am so happy and I feel blessed by God, for I know God does not make mistakes. Letting my son to come like this, is for a purpose, and I am seeing that purpose today.
TQM. How much of these talents in Tanifi are replicated in your other children?
Ans. They sing but not the way he does, the elder sister wants to become a medical doctor, she is concern with her books and the younger sister is good with arts and designs and her mind is set there.
TQM. How are you finding it paying for his schooling, considering educating people with special needs cost more?
Ans. I thank God for His grace, Tinafi sang a song somewhere and somebody listen to it and gave him a scholarship. So he is enjoying that scholarship.
TQM. Lastly, what appeal would you like to place out on behave of Tinafi?
Ans. I would like to appeal for assistance for him to be train on the musical instruments, his voice and the studio work. To enable him reach his peak.
TQM. Thank you madam for your time.
And. You are welcome.
