Wesseh Freeman
Wesseh Freeman (or Weesay, 1976–2018) was a musician from Monrovia, Liberia. He became blind as a child[1] and turned to playing the guitar to support himself and his family.[2] He was self-taught, and built his guitars out of oil cans.[1]
Wessay | |
|---|---|
| Birth name | Wesseh Freeman |
| Born | 1976 |
| Origin | Monrovia, Liberia |
| Died | 27 February 2018 |
| Instrument(s) | Guitar, vocals |
A video of him playing on the street went viral in 2016, and a Facebook page created for him garnered more than 7 million visitors. Freeman also demonstrated how he built his guitars, from an oil can, a neck shaped with a machete, and strings from bicycle cables.[3] He said he made $4 a day playing his instrument.[4] It brought him international attention (from people like Shane Speal) as well as funding to build him a home. He died on 27 February 2018 in a road accident in Monrovia.[2]
References
- Mallonee, Laura C. (29 January 2015). "A Vibrant Portrait of Liberia in GIFs". Hyperallergic. Retrieved 6 April 2021.
- Speal, Shane (1 March 2019). "Wesseh Freeman, 1976–2018". Philadelphia Row Home. Retrieved 6 April 2021.
- Beaurain, François (10 April 2017). "Vidéo: il joue des sons incroyables avec un bidon d'huile transformé en guitare". Konbini. Retrieved 6 April 2021.
- "The Song Of Wesseh Freeman – The Liberian Street Musician". Steemit. 2017. Retrieved 6 April 2021.
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