A record label once told me I’m not marketable due to my skin colour – Byno Ayoni

As an albino child, John Korbla Alatevi better known by the stage name, Byno Ayoni grew up accustomed to discrimination in the border town, Aflao.

Byno says like other albinos, he was harassed and lived in fear of being kidnapped to be used for rituals.

“ Some Africans believe our body parts, used in so-called magic potions, will bring good luck,” he said.

The gifted singer told 3entertainment’s Owusu Worae that it took courage and great fortitude to endured the terrifying ordeal.

At a point, he resolved to pursue his passion for music (his first love). But unfortunately for him, the stigma continued as a record label rejected and told him he is not marketable.

“There are some opportunities that “normal” people have which you don’t have. We went in for auditions to be signed and the label had to reject me because they said I’m not marketable enough. They said I’m not marketable because of the color of my skin and the way my body looked,” he disclosed.

Trying to survive proved extremely difficult for him.

“ When I left high school, I had to go out there to find a job to survive. How hard it was for me to find something to do. You will go to a shop to look for a job opportunity and they tell you because of your bad vision we can’t take you. There are a lot of opportunities that if we had we would’ve done better but because of the color of our skin and our disabilities, we are denied,” he lamented.

Determined to break down barriers , Byno Ayoni worked hard to realize his dreams.

In January 2024, Byno Ayoni was crowned the winner of Season 12 of TV3’s flagship music reality show, MENTOR.

The passion-driven artiste is now using his powerful voice to amplify the difficulties Albinos face on a daily basis, push their agenda at the core of discussion forums and empower them.

“The idea of being an advocate for people who are my kind to become who they are meant to be is a big motivation to me. Don’t let anybody tell you that you are not enough, always believe in yourself. It’s not easy and it will never be easy for you to break the grounds but be aware that there’s been someone there who has done it before and you can do it too.

“Be as strong as you can be, even if you are weak and you will break all barriers,” he urged.

The mentor champion who is currently signed to the VRMG record label is advocating for inclusiveness, an end to discrimination and equal opportunities for Albinos and other marginalized groups.

 

By Joseph Owusu Worae

The post A record label once told me I’m not marketable due to my skin colour – Byno Ayoni first appeared on 3News.

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