Guinean singer Grand P opened up about his genetic disorder, progeria, and how it affected his childhood.
Grand P, whose real name is Moussa Sandiana Kaba, is a Guinean singer suffering from a rare genetic disorder: progeria. Also known as Hutchinson-Gilford syndrome, this pathology is characterized by premature aging which begins in childhood.
“My disease is progeria. It prevents me from growing up. It affects my physical appearance. Obviously, I’m undergoing treatment. The doctors have asked me to be very careful about my diet. I eat cereals, salad, things that aren’t solid.”
According to Grand P, his daily life as a person with progeria was painful mainly because the disease is little known in his home country. He revealed that he had long been marginalized, ridiculed and rejected due to his ‘difference’.
“My childhood wasn’t easy for me. Back then, I was told I was a beggar, that I was good for nothing. I was mocked and rejected. I had a lot of difficulties. Mockery, marginalization. In Guinea, my condition is not known. It was difficult. I’ve never met anyone with the same illness as me. I was told I was good for nothing, that I was crazy, that I knew nothing.”
The 32-year-old artist never had the chance to go to school. So he decided to pursue his passions: music and acting. However, once again, Grand P came up against the negative comments of people who didn’t believe in him. Despite all this, he was able to build an influence extending beyond the borders of Guinea and Africa. Eudoxie Yao’s ex seems proud of his achievements, and of how he beat the odds.
“Today, I’m the most followed person in Guinea. I didn’t go to school during my childhood, so I decided to make music. Thanks to my videos, I’m famous on social media. I also do comedy. Some people said I couldn’t sing. I have a lot of songs. My music is listened to everywhere. Thanks to my fame, I’m a cultural ambassador for Guinea.”
Besides his musical career, Grand P is involved in humanitarian work through his foundation La fondation Grand P Humanitaire. He fights for the well-being of “people with disabilities” and plans to build an orphanage.
Ardiès Sianou
