Va’a’s passion for music, zest for life

By Julia Jamila Werner 28 December 2016, 12:00AM

He sat on the street, both eyes closed, playing his guitar.

He sings with all his heart and his passion is reflected through his angelic voice. 

Meet Va’a Ah-Sang.  He is a person who is blind showing amazing talent and abilities on the streets of Apia.

He sits in one of the most congested locations in the city center, daily being heard by many people. 

My first impression was that he is very talented. 

He sings his songs with emotions and plays his instrument without even seeing what he is doing so he brings more value. 

Va’a has been sharing his passion for music for years in the heart of Apia. 

He earns his money through selling the Samoa Observer on the streets of the city but his heart beats for Samoan music. 

The phenomenon of musicians who are bling yet play with amazing talent as well as masters in their art is an astounding subject. 

Music is a common career of choice for people without sight, both in real life and in the realms of fiction. 

In many cases, the musician’s lack of vision will actually enhance his musical abilities. This is because the loss of sight can sharpen other senses such as hearing, perhaps qualifying this as a real-life disability strength. 

Va’a isn’t able to see what’s happening around him but he feels how busy the people are. 

He seems to be like a calm anchor. 

“My beautiful wife and my five children are waiting for me at home,“ he says.

For Christmas, he said: “I am excited to stay at home for the Christmas weekend and spend some time with my family.”

Va’a earns an average of $50 per day.  Everybody can imagine how much he can afford with this amount of money. Even if he has to go through bad times, Va’a doesn’t think about quitting because this is what he loves to do. “This is my passion, my story.”

By Julia Jamila Werner 28 December 2016, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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