Although Denis Karanja Njoroge, aka Deno, was born blind, he is prove that physically challenged people can achieve their dreams just like any other person. He talks to GARDY CHACHA about his music
When did you realise you could sing?
In primary school. There was a certain young man in our school who used to sing very nice and positive songs. He motivated me to try out my voice. When I did, I realised I was talented.
What did you do after your discovery?
I joined the school choir where I practiced and trained my voice to hit certain notes. Around that time, I met a colleague, Peter Katwa, who was also blind and talented in music. He was already singing and together we composed a ten-track album called Nafsi, which was released in 2007, but didn’t do very well.
How did you meet Daddy Owen and when did you decide to do a collabo with him?
I met him in 2010 at a local TV station where I had been invited for a gospel show interview. I expressed my desire to work with him. He promised that we would do a song together someday. A year later, he contacted me with an idea to do a song about disability. I constructed my verse and merged it with what he had already created. That’s how the track Mbona was created.
Give us a glimpse into your history as a blind person…
I was born blind. I didn’t know I was different until I realised I could not walk freely unless I was guided. My parents explained to me and I eventually understood that I was blind. They are the best parents. They have given me the same opportunities as my siblings.
What was your experience in the education system?
Not easy at all. I began learning at Thika Primary School for the blind and visually impaired. I had to learn braille, which was very hard at the beginning. In fact, my teachers were almost giving up on me and started teaching me technical stuff like rearing rabbits and other domestic animals. As time went by, they realised I was catching up and they gave me a second chance. I made it. I began recording my music in high school.
How did you balance between your music and education in high school?
