Music is balm to the soul

Gallery Video

MOSSEL BAY NEWS AND VIDEO - Mossel Bay resident Meryl Brown (37) plays the pan flute at functions and often draws a wonderful response from the audience.

People tell her how calming they find the music. It touches people in a remarkable way.

PHOTO GALLERY: Meryl Brown and her flute

She played the pan flute at an "Oscars" awards evening held by Gemini Model and Talent agency late last year and the audience was enthralled.

Meryl told Mossel Bay Advertiser: "It's the greatest feeling in the world when I am about to perform and everyone thinks I am going to sing. I pull out my pan flute and everyone goes quiet and listens to the wind instrument. A lady came up to me after a performance at the Thusong Centre for Heritage Day and said: 'Your music took my pain away for a few minutes.'"

Meryl has a disability and is currently unemployed, but she would love to play the pan flute regularly as a form of music therapy for people.

Mossel Bay Advertiser asked her a few questions to find out more about her.

What is your disability?

I have left hemiplegia, also known as Spastic Cerebral Palsy (SCP). I have a slight motor problem. I have only 5% use in my left hand and slight walking problems.

With a disability, it is really hard to find work.

Where did you grow up?

I was born in Kimberley. I grew up in Potchefstroom, where I finished school at Agapé Christian School. For the last 20 years I've been living in Mossel Bay.

You are a make-up artist?

Yes, I'm a self-taught special effects make-up artist and mostly do make-up for gender-based violence awareness photo shoots.

For about five years I have done lots of functions for Vuyolwethu Mfumbe, an anti-gender violence activist, pageant winner and pageant organiser in Mossel Bay.

What are your hobbies?

I love gardening and propagating succulents. I enjoy playing tennis and squash, tap dancing and singing.

Is your family in Mossel Bay?

Yes, I am a single mother of a 16 year old and both my parents and a sibling live in Mossel Bay.

What assistance do you receive?

A disability grant and lots of support from my parents.

Tell us more about playing the pan flute.

On 7 March this year I will have been playing the pan flute for 32 years. I can also play the piano.

I am a member of the Mossel Bay Community Soup Drive and will start giving pan flute lessons to the little ones at Highway Park. I will have fundraisers so we can buy pan flutes.

Meryl also collects sanitary wear for girls in need. If you would like Meryl to perform at a function or collaborate with her on one of her charity projects, contact her (072 591 9648 or merylbrown8583@gmail.com).