RobenX

SEEKING

Rhythm Guitar, Acoustic Guitar, Bass Guitar, Drums, Keyboard.

ABOUT

RobenX can attest that riches don’t always come in the form of money. For him they appeared in the form of self-confidence, self-worth, and acceptance of his unique identity. He wanted to share his story with the world after a local news station in his hometown of Memphis, TN (WMC Action News 5) interviewed him about his love for music and the challenges he endured as a result of being bullied because of Albinism.

A vibrant 18-year old, often described as bright which represents a dual meaning - intellect and skin tone. RobenX was born with Albinism, a congenital disorder characterized by complete or partial absence of pigment in the skin.

Physically, individuals with Albinism commonly have problems with vision and require added protection from the sun. Socially, Albinos experience discrimination, ridicule, and even threats. At the age of 9, he was a victim of a brutal hate crime. He was knocked unconscious by a group of middle school aged boys while at the playground. Unfamiliar with the identity of the attackers, saddened, and desolate - he returned home to his mother for love, support, and consoling. He remembers being chastised, books thrown, being called a disease, and often saying to God “Why me”?

Initially, Rob used music as an avenue to escape from the real world. He created an Alter Ego - RobenX, the person in which everyone could see and know if they would only see past the lack of color in his skin.

After entering middle school a transformation occurred. RobenX emerged. Being bullied, feeling like a freak, and allowing people to mistreat him was no longer acceptable. He began to express himself with lyrics and began performing at talent shows at school and community centers. Some students still displayed hatred but more students began to embrace him. RobenX was so bold that he began taking trips to the principal’s office for trying to help other students that were being bullied!

RobenX attributes his inspiration to emerge from his shell to his patient and caring mother and knows God answered his question when he asked, “Why me”? RobenX now says, “If I died today, I know why I was born. I was born to speak out against bullying, build awareness about Albinism, and share my love for music with the world!”