Lizzie's loud and proud

Lizzie Emeh may not be able to read or write, but she sure knows how to sing soul. The west-Londoner tells us how she feels when people ask her why her feet look the wrong way round and spills the beans on her number one hero, Stevie Wonder

What’s the best thing about being disabled?

Standing out from the crowd and being different. I also feel like I’m very independent and it’s great to be disabled and be able to say that.

What makes you angry?

People who ask stupid questions like “why do you walk like that?” and who don’t listen when I try to explain and just say something like “you’ve got your feet on the wrong way round”. Sometimes people mock the way I speak too.

What’s the funniest thing anyone’s ever said to you about your impairment? Any good putdowns?

No, not really: I don’t feel I can laugh at insults. People who make them need educating!

What do you most like about recording music?

Writing it and putting it into the studio, and watching it come alive. It makes me feel so happy, like I’m doing the world justice by giving people with disabilities a voice.

And what do you not like about it?

There’s nothing I don’t like: it’s a total joy. But I’m a bit scared of people’s reactions. I want them to like my music.

Who’s your favourite disabled person ever?

Stevie Wonder: the way he writes and performs and makes any instrument sound good, it’s incredible. I also admire Mat Fraser and Monica Green, who both appear on my album. Mat’s a brilliant actor and Monica has a great voice: she’s a diva in her own right!

If you didn’t have your impairment, which other one would you like to have for a day?

I wouldn’t mind being Stevie Wonder for a day! Otherwise none, I think everyone else’s disabilities seem pretty difficult.

If you were Prime Minister, what one thing would you do to improve things for disabled people?

I’d create a law that says you have to accept people’s disabilities or pay a penalty.

What’s the one thing that could be invented to make your life as a disabled person better?

A voice box, or a mind reader system, for everyone about to say a mean thing, to change it into something nice!

How would you sum yourself up in ten words?

Loving, joyful, faithful, kind, strong, versatile, passionate and very determined.

• Lizzie’s debut album Loud and Proud is released on 9th October