He just raps his illness away: Belal Mahmoud (24) from Berlin suffers from muscular dystrophy (muscle weakness). He is in a wheelchair and can hardly move because his muscles are getting weaker. In the spine he wears a metal rod for support. But his zest for life is unbroken! And he makes music.
On Saturday he is one of the first casting candidates for the new season of “Germany is looking for the superstar” (RTL, 8:15 p.m.).
Belal to BILD: “I want to get started as a rapper and of course win at DSDS. With my participation, I want to prove to people with disabilities that they too can be on a big stage to show what they’re made of. A dream comes true for me with DSDS.”
Belal in his high-tech wheelchair at the DSDS casting
For Belal, rapping is a philosophy of life. In his texts he describes his everyday life, which is characterized by limitations.
Belal: “I’ve gotten used to life in a wheelchair. He uses a special high-tech arm to help me grab a water bottle and drink it or ring a doorbell.”
But in some situations Belal is helpless: “It gets annoying when an elevator breaks down. Because even my wheelchair can’t help me up the stairs.”
Belal with his brother Mustafa (29), who accompanied him to the DSDS casting
Belal: “I believe that DSDS has a musical opportunity for everyone – no matter where they come from and whether they have a physical handicap.”
He works in a support group with other disabled people, makes birdhouses and candles, but he dreams of a great music career.
His idol is Pietro Lombardi (30). During his casting appearance, Belal sings his song “I won’t let you go”. Pietro Lombardi is so enthusiastic that he spontaneously raps along. Lombardi impressed on Belal: “You are a great role model for everyone out there!”
Belal during his appearance in front of the DSDS jury in Hamburg
What does Belal think about DSDS chief judge Dieter Bohlen (68)?
Belal: “I was happy that he recognized me from my TikTok appearances. I like his directness. He complimented me and said very kind words to me.”
