As a child with albinism, John Korbla Alatevi, known by his stage name Byno Ayoni, faced discrimination growing up in the border town of Aflao.
He experienced harassment and lived in constant fear of being kidnapped for rituals, as some Africans believe that body parts of albinos can bring good luck when used in magical potions.
Byno shared with 3Entertainment’s Owusu Worae that it took immense courage to endure these challenges.
Despite his passion for music, he encountered stigma when a record label rejected him, claiming he was unmarketable due to his skin color and appearance.
“Some opportunities that ‘normal’ people have are inaccessible to me. When I auditioned for a label, they rejected me, saying I wasn’t marketable because of my skin color and how I looked,” he revealed.
Surviving after high school was extremely tough for Byno. He struggled to find employment, often being turned away because of his visual impairment. “Many job opportunities were lost to me due to my skin color and disabilities,” he lamented.
Determined to break barriers, Byno Ayoni worked hard to achieve his dreams. In January 2024, he was crowned the winner of Season 12 of TV3’s flagship music reality show, MENTOR.
Now, he uses his powerful voice to highlight the daily struggles faced by albinos, advocating for their inclusion and equal opportunities.
“My motivation comes from wanting to be an advocate for people like me, encouraging them to reach their full potential. Don’t let anyone tell you that you aren’t enough. Always believe in yourself.
Though it’s difficult to break through, remember that someone else has done it before, and you can too. Stay strong, even in your weakest moments, and you will overcome all obstacles,” he urged.
Currently signed to the VRMG record label, the MENTOR champion is committed to promoting inclusiveness and combating discrimination against albinos and other marginalized groups.
