I lost huge deals because I'm albino –Byno Ayoni

DESPITE his exceptional talent that earned him the topmost spot as winner of Season 12 of the music reality show Mentor early this year, budding musician Byno Ayoni has revealed that his albinism has been a significant barrier to securing major deals.

Byno Ayoni, who is currently signed on to rapper Edem’s VRMG (Volta Regime Music Group) record label, has had to endure discrimination due to his condition.

Speaking in an interview with Graphic Showbiz on Monday, September 30, Byno Ayoni opened up about the harsh realities of being an albino in the showbiz industry.

He mentioned that for an industry where looks matter, he had faced challenges, including prominent record deals getting cancelled, with concerns that his appearance would be 'too distracting' for the market.

However, that didn’t deter him but became his source of motivation to work harder to become a strong voice for creatives with disabilities.

To get started, the musician disclosed to Graphic Showbiz that he changed his name from Emperor to Byno Ayoni, marking a new era in his career, where authenticity and advocacy took centre stage.

“I had to embrace my condition, which has become my identity, and that is why I changed my name from Emperor to Byno, which is derived from Albino. I want people like myself who want to be in showbiz to be confident and not look down on themselves.

“I understand that every disability comes with a lot of perception but I call it a special ability because I believe no matter the circumstances you find yourself, you can always become better.

“In fact, I’ve lost count of the many opportunities which have slipped through my fingers simply because of my skin but I knew what I was going through was to build me up for greater things ahead, which is showing up now,” he stated.

And it’s not just mere words when Byno Ayoni talks about his confidence since that character is lively every time he steps on stage.

For patrons who were at the launch of Rhytms on Da Runway at Silver Towers, Accra, last month, Byno’s performance of Morgan Heritage’s Wash The Tears was nothing short of splendid. (Read also: ‘I’ve been homeless for a year, going through divorce,’ former BBAfrica winner, Karen Igho, I will dissolve GHAMRO and MUSIGA as a Tourism Minister – D-Black)

“My performance is more like an advocacy, telling the world that I have ‘special ability’ to excel in anything I do,” he said.

“I think of the hundreds of people with my condition who want such a platform. I can’t disappoint them and need to let them know that they have a special ability,” he stated.

Determined to break down barriers, Byno Ayoni uses his platform to advocate for inclusivity and challenge societal misconceptions about albinism. “I want to prove that my worth goes beyond my skin. I'm more than my condition; I'm a talented artiste deserving of respect,” he added.

Presently, Byno is promoting his ‘Activado’ EP, which has songs such as Champion, Lebron, Henny and Stand Firm featuring his label boss, Edem.

The four track EP, according to his manager, Rich Marrio, features a unique blend of sounds and powerful collaborations that display the talents of these exceptional artistes.