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.
READ MORE
Revealed: At least 1,000 Kenyans fighting for Russia
Russia job fraud: Embassy reissues warning amid growing cases
Career secrecy is bad for employees, employers, and the future of work
Court lifts orders stopping teacher recruitment in four counties
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.
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.
