Ambassadors
German singer-songwriter Gregor Meyle has been a Hear the World ambassador since July 2018. During his visit to a project in South Africa in July, he met children with hearing loss at the Carel du Toit Centre and sang with them as part of a musical speech therapy session. This likeable full-blooded musician talks about his experiences and impressions that he had during his stay in South Africa.
Hear the World (HTW): Gregor, you spent four days in Cape Town, South Africa, as a Hear the World Ambassador. How was your experience?
Gregor Meyle (GM): It was impressive and a very important experience that will resonate with me for a long time. I was totally impressed by the beauty of the country, but at the same time I was also very moved by the glaring social contrasts.
HTW: Which moment do you remember the most clearly?
GM: Definitely the encounters with the children; but also, the exchanges with the many volunteers on site. They show so much commitment and compassion. I find that deeply impressive.
HTW: You were present when a child was able to hear sounds for the first time? Can you describe that experience?
GM: That really touched my heart. It’s so wonderful that I had the opportunity to be there.
HTW: How did the music session with you help the children?
GM: Their reservations disappeared in a matter of seconds. We then sang, danced and laughed a lot together. It was an experience that I’ll never forget.
HTW: What made you want to become a HTW Ambassador?
GM: I hope that I can help to promote Hear the World as an ambassador on a long-term basis. It was a beautiful trip to the other end of the world, which raised my awareness of many things and made me more grateful.
HTW: What does good hearing mean to you as a musician?
GM: My hearing is my most important tool. I use it to provide for myself, my own family and now a large team of people who rely on me. I hope that I’ll continue to have good hearing for a very long time.
HTW: As an ambassador for conscious hearing, what is your advice for music enthusiasts with regard to hearing protection?
GM: I take my hearing protection with me when I go to concerts. It can’t do any harm.