DSDS candidate Belal is in a wheelchair and writes rap songs about his everyday experiences. Pietro Lombardi is the 24-year-old’s idol.
Candidate Belal Mahmoud (24) is in a wheelchair and convinced the jury by rapping. The new season “Deutschland sucht den Superstar” started on January 14th. Alongside Dieter Bohlen (68) are Pietro Lombardi (30), Leony (25) and Katja Krasavice (26) in the DSDS jury 2023. Belal from Berlin was also among the first candidates. The 24-year-old is in a wheelchair because he suffers from muscular dystrophy (an inherited muscle disease).
As Belal’s muscles are weakening, his movements are severely restricted and he is confined to a wheelchair. He also has a metal bar in his spine that supports him. But despite all the adversities, Belal is full of joie de vivre and is now taking part in DSDS. The 24-year-old tells in an interview with the picture: “I want to start as a rapper and of course win at DSDS. With my participation, I want to prove to people with disabilities that they too can stand on a big stage to show what they’re made of. A dream comes true for me with DSDS.”
Pietro Lombardi is Belal’s great role model
Belal writes the lyrics for his rap songs himself. In particular, he describes his life and everyday life as a person in a wheelchair: “I’ve gotten used to life in a wheelchair. He helps me with a special high-tech arm to grab a water bottle and drink or to ring the doorbell.” Unfortunately, however, difficult situations sometimes arise: “It gets annoying when an elevator breaks down. Because the wheelchair doesn’t help me up the stairs either.” At DSDS, Belal raps the song “I won’t let you go” by Pietro Lombardi. He is so happy that he sings along. In addition, juror Pietro says: “You are a great role model for all people out there!”
