Ngatamaine Tauranga (Nga or Maine) is writing and creating songs using AI.
Listen to Ngatamaine Tauranga’s latest song ‘Still Independent, with AI Voice’ on YouTube.
Nga shares about her song creation journey so far, “It started when I saw a random post on Facebook on Sunday evening, titled “Suno”. That pulled my attention. I thought I would have a go, and then 3 songs later in one week… “
Nga shared in a previous article, “Don’t assume that I don’t understand or hear anything because I’m non-verbal. I’m dedicated, strong-minded, determined, creative, and have a communication skills strength.” Read more about how Nga has always chosen her own path.
Nga shares her voice through technology.
Nga wrote the Still Independent lyrics:
I was born with Cerebral Palsy
My road was never easy
My muscles move differently
But there’s still so much inside of me
People see my shaking frame
And think my life is not the same
But my mind is sharp and clear
I understand what I see and hear
I may be non-verbal every day
But I still always find a way
My voice comes out through technology
And that voice still belongs to me
Don’t mistake silence for a lack of thought
I’ve fought battles most people have not
My body struggles constantly
But my spirit still runs free
I’m still independent, can’t you see
There’s so much more inside of me
I type with my knee on my tablet screen
Sharing every thought and dream
I drive my wheelchair with my head held high
Through the house and outside
Using the headrest to guide my way
Living life every single day
My body may not work the same
But I will never live in shame
I was born with Cerebral Palsy
But my disability won’t imprison me
My foster mother worked with me
To build an alphabet chart carefully
Letter by letter, word by word
Helping make sure my voice is heard
I cannot use my hands at all
Sometimes I need help standing tall
But independence still is mine
In many different kinds of ways
I can book a taxi when I choose
Decide myself what path to use
I control my heater, lamp, and TV
All from technology around me
My mobile phone connects me too
Through my tablet I can still get through
People think dependence means weak
But strength is more than how you speak
I’ve learned to live, adapt, survive
And keep my inner self alive
No matter what my body does
I still know exactly who I was
I’m still independent, can’t you see
There’s so much more inside of me
I type with my knee on my tablet screen
Sharing every thought and dream
I drive my wheelchair with my head held high
Through the house and outside
Using the headrest to guide my way
Living life every single day
My body may not work the same
But I will never live in shame
I was born with Cerebral Palsy
But my disability won’t imprison me
Yes, I like parties and alcohol too
Laughing with friends like people do
And on Sundays I worship God
Giving thanks through every scar
Faith and freedom both belong
Inside the story of my song
Disabled people live real lives
With joy and struggles side by side
I communicate in many ways
Through charts and screens every day
My voice may sound a little different
But my words are still significant
I cannot do everything alone
But I still proudly lead my own
Life with purpose, strength, and dignity
That is real independence to me
I was born with Cerebral Palsy
And this is who I’ll always be
Not broken, less, or left behind
Just living life with a different design.
