'We don't have this thing in my family' — Byno reveals why his father rejected him at birth, cause of his mother's death

Byno Ayoni, the talented Ghanaian musician who clinched victory on the 2023 TV3 Mentor, has shared his life story.

During an interview on the Daybreak Hitz show on May 8, 2024, Byno shed light on the circumstances surrounding his birth and upbringing.

Recounting his early years, Byno revealed the heart-wrenching tale of being rejected by his father at birth due to his albinism, a condition perceived as unfamiliar and undesirable in his family.

Tragically, the rejection was swiftly followed by the loss of his mother just three months later, leaving him as an orphan at a tender age.

"I didn't know my father growing up. According to what my grandmom told me, when I was born, the man came to the hospital, saw me, and said, 'We don't have this thing in my family.

“So he ran away. My mom, out of pain and disappointment, died when I was just three months old," he recounted.

Raised under the care of his grandmother, Byno further revealed how he faced significant health challenges and encountered societal discrimination due to his albinism.

He said, "So my grandmom took responsibility. At the time, I was a sickly child. I got so sick, according to my grandmom and the people who saw me grow up, that you could see the food travelling down my stomach when I was eating. That's how sick I was."

Despite his fragile health, he found solace and passion in music, thanks to the support of his headmaster, who introduced him to the brass band at the age of five.

He said, "I attended Holy Star Academy in Aflao. That's my primary school in Aflao. I didn't struggle much with acceptance there because I was shielded by the headmaster, and anyone who did something wrong to me would be punished severely.

"It was because of him that I fell in love with music very early. He made me join the band, the brass band. I was five years old at the time. And then music started from there.”

Reflecting on his journey, Byno expressed gratitude for discovering his musical talent at a young age and realised that his albinism was just a way of God making him unique in society.

"With time, I understood that it just has to do with being in a society where you are an outstanding person, looking different from everyone else," he remarked.