PRODUCER TRACKSLAYER, along with DJ Pius and DJ Theo, have embarked on an effort to nurture gifted youth with disabilities, with a view to help them get their breakthrough.

Trackslayer, the brains behind the ‘It’s Ability Talent Promotion’ project, says the initiative was inspired by his experience with Thomas, a producer with a leg disability, whom he first met several years ago before teaching him all about music production.

Trackslayer, born Peter Nshuti, said he was confident the project would succeed, especially because they have secured the backing of Uwezo Youth Empowerment, an NGO that supports youth with disabilities.

They have already identified 26 youths who constitute the first cohort of the little-known artists. They were selected from 180 applicants.

"The success of Thomas is what inspired this initiative,” Trackslayer said, adding that the involvement of Uwezo is invaluable given their experience working with youth with disabilities.

‘A dream come true’

Omal Bahati, Uwezo executive director, said: "This is an amazing project that will go a long way in promoting talented youth with disabilities.”

"There was no competition. All the selected 26 live in Kigali and it will be easier for them to attend training and receive any other support than those upcountry,” he said, adding, however, that they will not take up more beneficiaries before catering for all those that applied in the first phase.  

"We are still looking at modalities of supporting the other 154 who have also applied but are based outside Kigali.”

Clarisse Iryivuze, one of those selected among the first cohort of beneficiaries, said: "I was overwhelmed with joy when I received a call that I had been selected. It’s a dream come true. I am a poet and look forward to learning how best to grow my talent.”

Thomas, the producer with disability whom Trackslayer offered a helping hand, said the latter’s support helped him prove that "disability is not inability”.

"My advice to my peers out there is that they are capable no matter the circumstances. They just need to be focused and to get out of their comfort zone,” he said.