Limbless Thika man makes a living spinning decks

Justus Mugendi, 31, was born without fully formed fingers and legs but through resilience, he is proving limitations are only present in a person’s mind. He is now a fast rising DJ in Thika town.

HIS STORY

I fell in love with music while growing up as a young boy in Ngoire village, Embu County and the dream of becoming a DJ was borne in late 1990s when I was in primary school.

Whenever we went to the Embu ASK show, I would always be drawn to the DJs’ stand and would stand there for hours observing them playing around with the decks. I enjoyed each beat and would visualise myself doing the same thing.

After my form four in 2014, I would visit my brothers living in Nairobi and Thika and would take the opportunity to visit clubs in these towns to watch DJs ply their trade. I would ask the DJs to teach me their tricks but many would refuse with some openly wondering how I could DJ with my disability.

They were, however, those who would agree to show me their tricks and then allow me to do curtain raisers. I was the happiest person when this would happen. They were impressed by my performance and would encourage to follow my heart — this would would strengthen my resolve. 2009 was a turning point for me after I met DJ Kim who, impressed with by determination and passion, took me to a deejaying school.

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DJ Kim had faith and believed in me despite my condition. He kept on encouraging me and giving me moral and financial support. I will forever be grateful to him.

After the course, I got a job as a part time DJ at a club in Karen but this came to an end after two years after my contract expired. I then went on to work for eight big clubs in Nairobi, in a span of two years, which gave me the much needed experience.

I then decided to venture into deejaying for weddings, graduation parties among others and using my savings bought a mix track, a laptop and a few loud speakers.

It has continued to be an upward hill in getting jobs but I remain undeterred. When I get work, I do not disappoint and this helps me get repeat jobs.