Polio attack never stopped her ambition

Though she is a person with disability, having suffered from polio at a tender age, Flora Cheptum is a living testimony of a successful physically challenged music star in the Rift Valley.

Her story is that of resilience and determination, after she lost her legs – what she admits has been hard to live with during her childhood. She thought this was the end of her world.

 “I suffered from polio when I was three-years-old and by the time I was old enough to understand my condition, I felt so helpless and thought nobody would ever respect or even love me. I felt God had forgotten me,” Flora narrates.

Dream achieved

However, that did not stop her from following her dream of being a music star. She says it reached a point her condition motivated her instead. The much-loved artiste, having won the hearts of many in the North Rift and across the country, has risen above ranks. Known for her famous song Amwae Ane Kongoi (I thank you Lord), Flora has five inspiring albums that have strong messages of love.  Flora started singing at age 12 in church and during music festivals while in primary school. She released her first album, Amwae Ane Kongoi in 1994, as a special tribute to God for giving her life.

 “Even when I thought I could not get a husband due to my condition, God blessed me with a beautiful family. I felt inspired and decided to thank God through music,” she says.

Thrilling albums

The other four albums include Christmas Carols, Praise and Worship, Kirire Akobo Emenyo (We cry for our motherland) and I Am Strong. Kirire Akobo Emenyo basically talks about HIV/Aids and was received well by the public at a time when ARVs had not been made available to many.

Some of her albums also feature her family members whom she says have supported her during her journey as an artiste. Flora, who tops the list of local gospel musicians in the region, sells her albums in the streets of Eldoret town.

She cites piracy as main challenge that forces her to sell her music every single day.

“I identified with this busy street and decided to sell my music from here though I distribute to some few shops as well since I cannot walk to various shops due to my condition,” she says.. The artiste has also participated in various concerts across the country, performing in schools and other institutions.

Her message to upcoming gospel artistes, especially those with disabilities, is that everything is possible through faith and confidence.

She says that her journey to being a star has not been easy, but she confidently fought obstacles that came her way.

“Being disabled is not the end of the world for anyone; instead, it is a motivation factor that should bring out the best in you. Each one of us has a talent and exploiting it is the only way to fighting challenges and misfortunes,” she advises.