THE HASHTAG: Denno Music's Inspiring Journey
On this week's episode of the SignsTV Hashtag podcast, we speak with gospel singer Dennis Karanja, popularly known as Denno Music, as he offers a candid look into his journey.
Denno shares how his rise to fame was significantly boosted by the hit song 'Mbona,' featuring Daddy Owen, a track he says deeply resonated with persons with disabilities.
Born with a visual disability, the artist humorously describes his disability: "I have eyes, but they are not seeing, and I'm planning to offer them for sale."
He explains that his parents played a crucial role in shaping his early life, exposing him to education and providing unwavering support, which made him never recognize that he could not see.
"I never even knew I was visually impaired until later while growing up," Denno recounts. "I only noticed it when I started attending the Thika School for the Blind."
While at school which was boarding, adjusting presented its own set of challenges for the musician.
"Meals were different from homemade, including eating times," he recalls.
Learning Braille initially proved difficult, with Denno admitting, "I was getting nothing." However, the Thika School for the Blind provided more than just Braille training, incorporating practical skills such as farming.
Although his Braille sessions were cut short before he could fully understand it, his ambition drove him to put in extra effort, and he eventually mastered it and completed his primary school education successfully.
A common question Denno faces is how he perceives environmental changes. He explains, "I listen to my environment. For evening, there are specific sounds from crickets, and it gets slightly cold."
Denno also addresses a sensitive issue for persons with disabilities, particularly regarding faith. Responding to those who encourage the visually impaired to seek prayers for sight.
"This emphasizes the importance of respecting and accepting individuals with disabilities as they are.
The Music Journey
Denno's musical talent emerged during his high school years, where he recorded a collaboration with a friend, though the song never gained traction due to production hurdles. His big break came in Form Four when he met gospel superstar Daddy Owen during a Groove Awards season interview.
Denno seized the opportunity to request a collaboration, and Daddy Owen readily agreed, leading to the creation of their groundbreaking hit, "Mbona."
"Mbona" became more than just a song; it transformed into an anthem for persons with disabilities, raising awareness and inspiring countless individuals.
While his music career took off, Denno’s academic ambitions took a back seat. He was about to join college but became too engrossed in music. He now plans to fulfill his earlier ambitions of becoming a music teacher or producer, channeling his passion into educating the next generation of artists.
Follow this episode of the Signs TV podcast “The Hashtag” on our YouTube (https://youtu.be/TwdAipFQReA) and Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1Byz2oztuM/), with a repeat on Signs TV every Monday at 10 PM.
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