Deaf But Not Defeated: The Story Of Kenya's Rap Prodigy
BY BARAKA SIMBA
Douglas Munyendo, alias Lal Daggy, is redefining what it means to be an artist in Kenya. Deaf since the age of five, the Butere-born and Kisumu-raised rapper is turning heads in the music industry, challenging long-held stereotypes about persons with disabilities (PWDs).
Speaking during the sixth episode of THE HASHTAG Podcast hosted by Chris Mwololo and Caroline Wanjira on Signs TV Kenya, Lal Daggy revealed how music became both a form of expression and advocacy.
“For a long time, people believed deaf people can't sing. I chose to challenge that belief. I told myself I would become a great musician, and that’s why I came to Nairobi,” he said.
The name "Lal Daggy" was gifted by his late sister, and he has carried it into studios and stages across Kenya. His journey, however, has not been solitary. He saluted his late friend Fredrick Odhiambo for connecting him with Signs Media Managing Director Luke Kizito—whom he credits with helping shape his music career.
To make his work accessible, Lal collaborates with a voice artist who interprets his songs. Beyond music, he is the founder of an initiative under the National Deaf Cultural Center (NDCC) that supports deaf and differently-abled youth with talent.
“My organization has many deaf youths, PWDs, and even other talented young people,” he noted.
He urged parents raising children with disabilities to nurture their talents rather than hide them. Lal Daggy’s story is more than a musical journey—it’s a movement, inspiring hope and pride within Kenya’s deaf community and beyond.
For more on this episode of the Signs TV podcast “THE HASHTAG,” visit our YouTube (https://youtu.be/SbKwcPDJcp4) & Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1BpT9Wh1b5/), with a repeat on Signs TV every Monday at 10 PM.
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