Chris Kamara, a beloved television personality and former football player, is embracing a novel approach to regaining his speech after being diagnosed with apraxia of speech in 2022. This rare neurological condition affects the brain’s ability to plan and coordinate the muscle movements necessary for speech, making it difficult for individuals to articulate words despite knowing what they want to say. Kamara’s journey since his diagnosis has involved intensive speech therapy, but his recent decision to join a choir of Bradford City fans, aptly named “Bantam of the Opera,” marks a unique and potentially beneficial turn in his recovery. The choir, which will be featured in an upcoming television series, is being mentored by none other than the renowned composer Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber and will participate in Bradford’s 2025 UK City of Culture celebrations.
Kamara, known affectionately as “Kammy,” humorously acknowledges that his singing abilities haven’t magically improved, stating that singing hasn’t made a difference since he “could never sing before.” However, he recognizes the therapeutic value of singing in his speech recovery. The act of singing promotes fluency and strengthens the coordination of vocal muscles, serving as a form of rehabilitation for his speech. This realization highlights Kamara’s proactive and optimistic approach to overcoming the challenges posed by apraxia. He views the choir not only as a social and enjoyable activity but also as a valuable tool in his ongoing quest to regain his articulate voice.
Apraxia of speech, as explained by the NHS, arises from damage to the left side of the brain, often caused by a stroke. While the condition does not impair comprehension, it creates a frustrating disconnect between thought and speech. Individuals with apraxia often struggle with conversational speech but may be able to perform automatic speech tasks like counting, reciting rhymes, or using common greetings. The severity of the condition varies, and treatment typically focuses on speech therapy to improve articulation and fluency.
Kamara’s foray into the world of singing isn’t entirely new. He previously participated in the 2023 season of “The Masked Singer,” even adopting a Scottish accent for his performance, and also appeared on “Get Britain Singing.” These experiences, while primarily entertainment-focused, may have inadvertently laid the groundwork for his current approach to speech therapy. The rhythmic nature of singing and the focus on vocal control could have offered early, albeit unconscious, benefits to his speech recovery.
Beyond his recent singing endeavors, Kamara enjoyed a long and successful career in broadcasting, most notably his 24-year stint on Soccer Saturday. His infectious enthusiasm and camaraderie with host Jeff Stelling made him a fan favorite. After stepping away from broadcasting following his diagnosis, he made a heartwarming return to television on Boxing Day 2022, joining Amazon Prime’s coverage of a Nottingham Forest match. The emotional reunion with Stelling and the warm reception from the crowd underscored Kamara’s enduring popularity and the public’s support for his journey.
Kamara’s decision to join the “Bantam of the Opera” choir demonstrates his resilience and determination to overcome the challenges presented by apraxia of speech. He recognizes the therapeutic potential of singing and embraces it as a complementary approach to traditional speech therapy. His continued presence on television, both in entertainment and sports broadcasting, serves as an inspiration and highlights his unwavering spirit. By sharing his experience with apraxia, Kamara raises awareness of this relatively unknown condition and provides hope to others facing similar challenges.
