Solomon’s sound of music

American Founding Father Benjamin Franklin once said, “Hide not your talents, they for use were made. What’s a sundial in the shade?” This means that if you believe you’re talented, let that talent flourish and make it known.

Big Issue vendor Solomon Masoso epitomises Franklin’s quote. What many of his customers at Longbeach Mall in Fish Hoek don’t know is that this optimistic vendor is also a singer and guitarist in a local gospel band. (He developed a love for music as a child and received his first guitar while still in high school in Zimbabwe.)

Solomon is determined to make 2020 his year of success as a musician. “I believe that I can achieve anything I set my mind to,” he says.

BOUNCING BACK

Behind the scenes, life can be tough. Like many of his peers, Solomon continues
to hold his head high, taking life’s challenges in his stride, always greeting his customers with a smile.

While he might not have the wealth of Solomon in the Bible, he certainly does have an abundance of kindness and ideas to share his faith. A born-again Christian, Solomon wants to spread the word of God through his music.

“I will not rest until I reach my destination. My life has not been an easy journey, but I have travelled it nonetheless, and I have conquered many obstacles. Each day, I’m getting stronger and stronger. My daily motivation is to never quit in any situation.”

He also sees music as his meal ticket out of poverty. “I don’t want to be just another vendor that is chasing his next meal. I want to impact other people’s lives for the better,” says Solomon.

REUNITED

Solomon is a man of many talents. Apart from being a musician, he is a vendor by day and a caregiver by night. He volunteers at the Turfhall Cheshire Home for the elderly in Hanover Park in the evening.

On a personal note, 2019 has been a good year for Solomon, as he was able to go home to his family in Zimbabwe for the first time in 10 years. The last time he was home, his daughter was two years old (she is now 12).

Reuniting with his family, especially his daughter, gave him a new lease on life. “Having my family next to me; the care, support and love they gave me, was a blessing because it was pure love. Who are we without family? Now I look at life in a different way.”

Solomon is ready to tackle 2020, and he remains grateful to The Big Issue for giving him an opportunity to rebuild his life.

“I’m glad to be part of The Big Issue family. The organisation has become my home, a place where I always go to when the tides of life hit hard. With my Big Issue family’s assistance and the support of my wonderful customers, I can make my dream a reality.”