SA poet and rapper The LazarusMan makes a track for the deaf
The LazarusMan has tailor-made a track for the deaf community to enjoy.
Listening to music is a universally loved past-time. It unites, it heals, and it brings immense enjoyment to all who can experience it.
Unfortunately, there are millions of deaf and hard of hearing people worldwide unable to partake in this sacred past-time.
In a bid to include them in the musical experience, SA poet and rapper LazarusMan created a bespoke track using South African Sign Language (SASL) portrayed through a video supervised by MTN and St Vincent School of the Deaf to make sure all the signs are visible and understandable.
LazarusMan, real name Lazarus Mathebula, is thrilled with the project.
“I’m very passionate about the work I do, and this offered me the opportunity to reach an audience I never thought I could,” he said.
“I’m also a poet and we use this medium as a form of storytelling, to teach, to share and enlighten people, so it’s important that it is accessible to everyone.”
DefBars
Lazarus had to learn SASL to create this track, titled DefBars.
“The track we used was made in a way that people without hearing could feel the rhythm of the track through the vibrations of the speaker.”
Taking on this challenge wasn’t easy, but Lazarus was determined to bring it all together.
“Writing the lyrics was the easiest part but learning how to sign was challenging.
“I invested a lot of time rehearsing the moves until I was comfortable enough for the shoot.”
“Words form the basis of how we communicate and that is why sign language is so important; and my niece speaks about the power of words and how you apply them correctly is so important.”
Most importantly, Lazarus wants t inspire inclusion.
“I wanted to inspire others to reach out to the hard of hearing and deaf community. I really hope they like it and they get the message. I hope they find it as a genuine piece of work which helps the entire country acknowledge them and help them overcome their challenges in society.”
Watch The LazarusMan DefBars below.
[youtube_sc url=”https://youtu.be/9fVVwi1BcFw”]Sourced
