The healing power of music
S ONE takes a leisurely stroll along the promenade at the Durban beachfront, one is immediately drawn to the jazzy tunes of multi-talented musician Avesh Ganas, who happens to be a bilateral amputee.
Undergoing extensive surgery for the removal of both his lower limbs at the age of 30, music, said Ganas, helped him heal.
“Music is the food for my soul and playing in front of the sea gives me so much joy and serenity,” said Ganas, aged 41.
Every weekend, he travels from Northdale, Pietermaritzburg, to perform at the beachfront. With the money he makes as a busker, a good portion is used to fund future trips to Durban and toward his household.
Some spectators, he said, who appreciated his blend of jazz, dropped up to R50 into his hat.
Ganas, formerly of Sea Cow Lake, in Durban, plays almost every instrument, from the clarinet, saxophone and accordion to the drums, piano and harmonica.
He said he came from a family of musicians and played for a local band, Suhana Sangeeth.
“My great-grandfather and father were talented and well known in the local community. But it was my uncle, Pravesh Khelawan, who I drew most of my inspiration from.”
Ganas said he played music for most of his life but when he took ill, music was placed on the back-burner.
He was involved in a serious accident where both his legs were trapped in his car. Ganas was removed from the wreckage using the jaws of life and hospitalised.
“My health took a turn for the worse when I knocked my tiny toe at the corner of the coffee table. The toe turned black, then my foot, then my entire leg.”
When he visited the hospital, doctors told him that gangrene had set in in both limbs and they needed to be amputated.
“Over the past 10 years, I have had to undergo a series of operations. I thought I would walk again but doctors fitted me with prosthetics and gave me a wheelchair, which I use full-time.”
As if Ganas had not been through enough, he also suffered a heart attack three years ago.
He said there was a point where depression was seeping in but his wife of 24 years, Serika, stood by him.
“I’ve been blessed with a wonderful wife, who resigned from her job to take care of me. She has been my source of comfort and support throughout this ordeal.”
Ganas added that Serika, three children, music and faith in God kept him going. Their kids are: Luke, 23, Selina, 19, and Tia, 12.
Serika said life had been challenging and advised caregivers to humble themselves and accept the situation for what it was.
“Give your partner love and respect above all. Be positive and seek God in everything you do,” she encouraged. Watch online: visit our
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