For almost 10 years – beneath the towering steeple of the Cathedral of St Michael and St George – a blind street organist and keyboard player has been providing a background beat to the delight of National Arts Festival stall shoppers.
With consummate ease, Abraham Cetywayo, 55, plays his groovy gospel music for a joyous group of onlookers as the sound of his instrument echoes through Church Square, the home of a thrifty street market at the annual festival.
Cetywayo, a regular busker, has been blind since birth.
The musician was diagnosed with glaucoma, an incurable condition caused by a damaged optic nerve.
Hailing from a humble home in Mthatha, Cetywayo raised three children with his partially blind wife, Martha.
A man with many responsibilities, Cetywayo has transformed a seemingly heavy personal burden into a gift that provides his family with financial support and gives them something to be proud of.
The money he makes from tips during the 11 days of the festival is a large proportion of the family’s income each year.At the age of 12, one of his school teachers inspired him to learn to play the keyboard at the Mthatha Disability Centre.
More than 40 years later, he is determined to spread the word of faith through gospel music. “I use my music to serve the community.
“I want to bring joy into people’s lives and encourage them to do good things in the world,” Cetywayo said.
Each year, nestled among the stalls of the market, he sets up his keyboard and speakers.
And now his busking has progressed from a one-man operation to a family affair.
In his earlier days, Cetywayo’s family helped him source good-quality speakers and a keyboard.
His son, Ntombovuyo, used to help him collect tips and manage his sound system.
And now it is the turn of the third generation – his grandson, Sothembela, is his new assistant.
Cetywayo has made it clear that he would not be able run these street shows on his own.
“I like to involve my boys.
“They can watch the crowd, enjoy the music and make sure all the tips are safely put away.”
Cetywayo dreams of being a part of the festival’s official programme one day.
It is by no means a far-fetched expectation – the man has been making a valuable contribution for almost a decade.