Aspire ing Blind artist who needs your help

My name is Dewald Smit, and I go by the stage name Gypsy. I am a visually impaired artist on a mission to advance my singing career. However, to convey where I'm coming from and what I aspire to achieve, let me share a bit more about my journey.

I began singing at the age of 19, starting with karaoke sessions and gradually honing my skills until I could afford my own equipment to host my karaoke events. As I improved, I transitioned to solo performances while still holding onto a day job until I was unfortunately laid off. Following this, I took on various contract jobs but struggled to secure stable employment.

My passion for sound led me to pursue a diploma in sound engineering, generously funded by my mother and stepfather. Despite obtaining the qualification, finding work as a blind sound engineer proved challenging. I returned to singing gigs, but it wasn't enough to sustain me, and I relied on disability grants while living with my mother. I secured a job from 2015 to 2017, which provided some stability until tragedy struck when my fiancée passed away in November 2016, leaving me her possessions, allowing me to settle debts and acquire a truck.

However, the onset of the lockdown due to the pandemic caused significant setbacks. I lost most of my possessions, had to sell my trailer, and nearly half of my sound equipment. During this period, my friend generously supported me, but it took a toll on her finances. Despite her assistance, gigs became less frequent, and finding work has been a challenge since 2017, a plight familiar to many in South Africa.

In summary, I'm exploring alternative avenues to establish a sustainable livelihood without relying solely on government support or traditional employment opportunities. I have identified several potential ventures to kickstart this journey. Additionally, I aim to secure funding to invest in my music career, acknowledging the financial demands inherent in artistic pursuits.

Furthermore, I am burdened by debts incurred on my behalf by my friend. My equipment, now over two decades old, is increasingly difficult to maintain due to parts scarcity, and my truck is in dire need of extensive repairs.

I plan to create a video showcasing my situation, including my truck and equipment, while outlining my aspirations and proposed initiatives.