The pandemic has muted so much this year, including the music we hear in person. That's if you can find any.

One gift this socially-distant year has brought is the sounds of West Africa here in Rochester.

The smiles come with the rhythm of Wamba Africa, a group entertaining families on sidewalks along Fairport's canalfront, and any sidewalk they can find, especially in this time of heightened racial awareness.

They just got here 10 months ago, from the West African nation of Ghana. Five of them are from the same hometown as Fred Quay, who's the unofficial leader of this group; making sure they sing for their supper as often as they can.

The group just moved into a Parsells Avenue apartment in one of Rochester’s toughest sections, trying to set roots in one of the city's most violent summers.

Their music's led them to discoveries about America, like, that it's not all asphalt. There's soil, like back home. They'd also been told that America was not as racially divided as they've found it since they pulled into town.

"We came here and we found that it wasn't what we were told," Quay said.

After working for pocket change for months, Frederick's booked the group's first gig for the boys at The Strong.

"Music can heal people, said Samuel Odai, a member of Wamba Africa. “And they feel something in the heart."

These families heard Wamba Africa perform for the first time at the Strong National Museum of Play. Frederick's found the guys work at corporate events and festivals.

"I know how powerful our music is and I know and I know how positive it is with people," Quay said.

Frederick and the guys would love a shot at America's Got Talent. But until that comes, they'll keep creating harmony, in a place, that could use a little.