Inside 25-Year-Old Blind DJ's Career After Dropping Out Of University

An image of a Disc Jockey deck taken on September 21, 2020.
An image of a Disc Jockey deck taken on September 21, 2020.
Yomex Owo

After dropping out of school because of financial challenges, John Kibuika, a visually impaired music enthusiast thought that all was lost. 

Inspired by renowned gospel artist, Rueben Kigame, Kibukia, a resident of Ruai, Nairobi County, decided to explore his skills as a Disc Jockey (DJ).

In a TV interview on Sunday, November 15, the 25-year-old narrated how he used Google to learn how to queue songs on the DJ deck.

 John Kibuika during an interview on NTV on November 14, 2021.
John Kibuika during an interview on NTV on November 14, 2021.
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"I have a passion as a DJ and in music production but being a DJ is the main thing because I enjoy doing it. The greatest challenge I faced which almost made me give up was when I was told that I needed assistance to queue songs,"

"I was scared to imagine that I would be there with someone to queue in songs because you cannot be with someone all the time. I had to do my research in Google," the music enthusiast disclosed.

Despite having the urge to go back to school to pursue a career in music production, Kibuika revealed that there is still a challenge because most of the institutions in the country do not have music courses designed for the visually impaired.

Additionally, Kibuika also disclosed that landing his first gig was not easy because many people doubted if he would deliver and manage the intense pressure that comes with entertaining music lovers at events.

However, an opportunity by his fellow DJ, Pele Baraza, was a turning point for his career as other opportunities started knocking on his door.

"The first day I met him I was doubtful because I wasn’t sure if he could manage to use the deck because of his condition. I finally decided to give him a chance for 20 minutes. He proved me wrong," Baraza revealed.

When queried on his ambitions, Kibuika went ahead to state that his dream is to own a production house and a music academy where kids can pursue a career in music.

"I can tell you that people should do what works for them and if you know how to do something, do it to the best of your abilities. It is all about being self-driven," Kibuika advised.

As the interview progressed, the music enthusiast revealed that his mother was the greatest support system that he has had for the past 25 years.

On her part, Kibuika's mother, Mary Wairimu, revealed that she had to stand with his son in pursuing his passion stating that she dreams of Kibukia becoming an inspiration for his generation

"He cannot see but he can feel everything. The time he came and told me that he wanted to become a DJ, I supported him where possible. Before becoming a DJ, he had a few lessons in music production but he dropped out because of the disappointments he had. That is when he decided to become a DJ instead of being idle,”

"The dream I have for him is to become an inspiration to many because he has overcome his challenges to do what he loves," Wairimu stated.

John Kibuika at a DJ deck during an interview on NTV on November 14, 2021.
John Kibuika at a DJ deck during an interview on NTV on November 14, 2021.
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