Shakira Hussein’s story is one of tenacity and transformation, revealing how she navigated the challenges of multiple sclerosis while seeking to keep her passion for music alive. Once a violinist who cherished spontaneous jam sessions, Hussein faced the heartbreaking reality of losing her ability to play due to the debilitating effects of the disease. Yet, through creativity and determination, she has found a way to redefine her musical journey.
Facing the Diagnosis
Initially, Hussein struggled to connect her declining violin skills with her broader health issues. Battling overwhelming fatigue and frequent falls, she was unaware that these symptoms pointed to a more significant neurological concern. It wasn’t until a neurologist confirmed her diagnosis of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis that she began to grasp the full impact of the condition.
“I had self-diagnosed with everything from a brain tumour to stress,” she reflects. The news, while daunting, provided a sense of relief that her daughter would not be left without a mother. With treatment options available, she hoped to manage the disease and maintain her quality of life.
A Passion Left Behind
As Hussein’s condition improved temporarily, allowing her to set aside her walking stick and resume her academic pursuits, the long-term effects of the illness became evident. “My balance and fine motor skills had been permanently eroded,” she admits. The violin, which had been an integral part of her life since childhood, was relegated to its case, a painful reminder of her lost abilities.
The emotional toll was profound. “Although I had always considered myself an ordinary violinist, the loss still stung,” she shares. As a single mother, she had busked with her daughter, Adalya, spinning joy from their shared love of music. Hussein had envisioned playing the Bach double violin concerto alongside her daughter, a dream now overshadowed by her limitations.
A New Musical Path
As she grappled with her new reality, Hussein began to explore alternative avenues for expression. An occupational therapist encouraged her to consider other musical instruments and activities that might be more accessible. Despite her initial resistance, she eventually turned to the tabla, a traditional Indian percussion instrument that seemed to offer a new lease on musical life.
“Tabla is a far more forgiving instrument for those with reduced manual dexterity,” she notes. Drawing on her childhood memories of tabla performances, she decided to embark on this new musical adventure. The shift provided her with the opportunity to engage with music once again, even if it meant stepping away from the violin completely.
Embracing the Journey
Over the past year and a half, Hussein has embraced her tabla lessons, relishing the process of learning new techniques and compositions. “Playing music – even on an unfamiliar instrument – feels like a homecoming,” she says, acknowledging the joy of gradual improvement. While she may never fulfil her dream of performing the Bach double with Adalya, she has discovered that music can still flourish in new forms.
The beauty of blending violin and tabla offers a unique harmony, allowing the duo to create music together, transcending the barriers posed by her condition.
Why it Matters
Hussein’s journey underscores the profound impact of resilience in the face of chronic illness. Her ability to adapt and find joy in new avenues of creativity not only highlights the importance of pursuing passions despite obstacles, but also serves as an inspiring reminder that our identities and dreams can evolve. In a world that often views disability through a lens of limitation, Hussein’s story is a powerful testament to the enduring spirit of creativity and the unbreakable bond between a mother and her child in their shared love for music.
