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Episode details

World Service,26 May 2026,40 mins

Nobody wanted to work with me, now I make hit records

Outlook

Available for over a year

Born blind, Cobhams Asuquo did not initially go to school but taught himself through listening to the radio. After being given a toy keyboard he quickly learnt music and soon he was playing the organ in church. When he finally did go to school he excelled, not just at music but also academic subjects. This took him to university, initially to study law, but he shocked his family by dropping out to concentrate on music. It was quite a risk and initially he found that some musicians, surprised that he was blind, were reluctant to work with him. However, after he produced a string of hits he became a much sought after composer and music producer working with stars from Afrobeats queen Tiwa Savage to U2 singer Bono. Presenter: Tommy Dixon Producer: Julian Siddle Get in touch: outlook@bbc.com or WhatsApp +44 330 678 2707 (Photo: Cobhams Asuquo performing in concert at the piano wearing a white sweater and gold chain. Credit: Kelz Pictures)

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