‘We share languages’: Deaf interpreter signs at Charleston Sternwheel Regatta

CHARLESTON, WV (WOWK) – “I can’t hear anything. My world is completely silent.”

Nick Ansah has been deaf since he was six years old. He grew up in Ghana, where he earned a sign language teaching certificate.

But it wasn’t until he moved to West Virginia eight years ago that he fell in love with music.

“I fell in love with music at that time. I can’t hear the music, but I feel the beat. I feel the vibration,” Ansah said.

On Wednesday, Ansah signed for Shaggy, becoming the first deaf interpreter to take the stage at the Charleston Sternwheel Regatta. He teamed up with Champ Interpreters, who have been signing at Regatta for three years.

Ashley Turley and Jasmin Cannisi say that Champ allows them to share music with a new audience.

“I feel like music is an art form and art is universal. If you can give that to someone in their own native language, they can experience that art as well,” Turley said.

Champ Interpreters have signed for the likes of Flo Rida, Tim McGraw and Journey. They have been contracted to sign at events at the Regatta, the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center, and the Clay Center.

Turley says each event brings its own unique challenges in preparation.

“Sometimes we get set lists, most of the time we don’t. So there’s hours of researching what songs these artists are going to do, what songs they might do, what songs they’ve never done,” Turley said.

Ansah is Champ’s newest recruit, and he says the organization gives him a platform unlike ever before to share music with others in his native language.

“I’m deaf. They’re deaf. My first language is their first language. We share cultures, languages. I feel very connected,” Ansah said.

Ansah says he looks forward to returning to the Regatta next year and signing at even more concerts.

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