Zizi’s Golden Voice Inspiration: Disability Effort to Develop Her Skills

MAKASSAR (October 12, 2023) – Among the participants and delegates at the ASEAN High-Level Forum (AHLF) on Disability-Inclusive Development and Partnership beyond 2025 event in Makassar City, there were many touching stories about a child’s endeavor.

Zizi—a 9th grade teenage girl was able to bewitch the AHLF participants at the Gala Dinner and Art Performance session in Fort Rotterdam. Three songs ‘Sang Dewi’ from Lyodra, ‘Easy on Me’ from Adele and 'You Take My Breath Away' from Queen were sung with her golden voice.

"I have been learning to sing since I was 5 years old and to play the piano since 3 years old with all the struggles because of the limited situation, both at school because I was in special school and studying music," said Zizi, whose full name is Allafta Hirzi Sodik.

However, Zizi was lucky enough to get extraordinary support from her parents, especially her mother, who was a homeschooling teacher at their house. Zizi’s mother also strived so that her daughter could attend special kindergarten and elementary school in South Jakarta.

“The school is quite far from our residence. At that time, inclusive kindergarten and elementary schools were in South Jakarta and we went home to Cibubur. That requires a lot of effort," said Zizi’s mother.
When she was able to attend the AHLF event in Makassar, Zizi admitted that she was very happy.  She entertained participants from 13 countries consisting of 9 ASEAN countries, 1 Observer Country (Timor-Leste), and 3 ASEAN Partner Countries (US, UK, and Australia).

"There is a feeling of happiness and pride in being able to entertain, and at the same time there is hope for people like us, persons with visual sensory disabilities, that our fate can be better, independent and continue to work, being given the same opportunities," she said, full of optimism.

Efforts never betray the results. Zizi has experienced various obstacles, but her persistence has a sweet ending as she accomplished a series of achievements that made her parents proud and inspired others.

“Dear friends, the talent must be explored. After we find talent, we have to keep improving it. Believe that work which comes from the heart will definitely produce the best, even though you can't physically see it, you can feel the extraordinary beauty," said Zizi.