The gentle strums of Eti Toma's guitars can be heard along the busiest part of town in Apia. Mr. Toma sits in front of the Bank of South Pacific branch in town and plays his guitar to collect a few dollars.

He is a perfect example of how there are less employment opportunities for people with disabilities.

He lost his vision when he was eight years old and his parents knew the struggles of fitting in would cost him many opportunities in life. 

"Growing up, I don't think people really understood the challenges that I've faced and made me stronger every day, normally people will just see me as a blind man," said Mr. Toma.

"I sit here with my guitar and a bucket trying to perform for people from all walks of life, bringing sound to this side of town, I have to activate my other senses to the extreme to know things happening around me, especially listening. 

"My ears are my sight and I depend on them every day." 

The 39-year-old learnt to play guitar in an institute for the blind where listening was a valuable aspect of learning how to play instruments.  He explained that the community helped him grow as a musician and person. All of this while trying to navigate the daily necessities of life and overcoming societal stereotypes. 

"There's a lot of pre-conceptions from people here and there but I hope my music can inspire individuals like myself facing adversities," he told this newspaper in an interview.

Mr. Toma encounters challenges daily such as relocating to crowded and unfamiliar locations and accurately counting the money that he has earned from busking in Apia. 

"I have to ensure that dishonest individuals are not taking from me, one time someone told me that one youth pretended to throw money in my bucket but was actually taking from me, it's this type of situation I face daily," he said.

Mr Toma spends a lot of time in public places in town, mostly in front of Bank South Pacific where he would serenade the public with covers of songs like the famous Punialavaa and Suliveta Purene , some of Samoa's golden classics.

Despite all the challenges that he has faced as a blind performer, Mr. Toma remains calm and hopes that one day he will be able to release an album that has original music. As for now, he revives some of the great Samoan oldies.

"One day I hope to make an album where people would purchase my music and enjoy it, as for now being here and performing in public is a bit of struggle but I am grateful to God for giving me such a talent. Praise him forever."