Making Waves for Change with Winfred Muchiri

It’s day two of the 5th Inclusive Africa Conference for advancing digital accessibility and assistive technology for people with disabilities across Africa, organized by inABLE in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation. We’re seated at The Larder restaurant at a hotel in Nairobi, when the vibrant Winfred Muchiri, aka DJ Wiwa, arrives with her sister, Paulina Daniels, who interprets on her behalf. Her white t-shirt is emblazoned with her DJ Wiwa brand, and she pairs it with black ripped jeans, open toe sandals, and big sunglasses.

She looks like what she is – a young, bold, and on-brand entertainer.

After exchanging pleasantries, she dives into memories of her childhood and the path that led her here. “Growing up in Kenya as a child with cerebral palsy, I faced many challenges. But even as a little girl, music was my happy place. I couldn’t walk, but I could dance, balancing with my hands and letting the rhythm take over. My mom encouraged my love for music, and that helped me pursue a career as a DJ.”

In this high-energy industry, being a DJ with a visible disability isn’t conventional. DJ Wiwa uses her feet to operate the turntables, as she does for other everyday activities. It’s her way of turning challenges into strengths. “It isn’t just about playing music; it is about creating my own path and showing others what’s possible,” she shares.

As an advocate for people with disabilities, especially girls and women, DJ Wiwa leads by example. She says that the most rewarding part of her career is seeing her impact on others, especially at events where she performs for parents and children with disabilities. “Knowing that I can inspire them and show them what’s possible means the world to me. Representation and visibility matter so much. When they see me up there, doing what I love, it gives them hope and motivation,” she says.

She’s also passionate about fighting for menstrual hygiene and reproductive health rights for young girls and women with disabilities. “This cause is personal to me because of my own experiences. My motivation is my story, my passion, and what I go through,” she explains. She wants to ensure that others’ voices are heard, and their needs are met.

Her image plays a significant role as an entertainer, but it is also her way of showing up in the world as confident and bold. “Since I was young, my mom always made sure I looked nice and smart. This attention to my appearance isn’t just about looking good; it’s about feeling confident and empowered. Fashion has become crucial to my brand, reinforcing my message of self-empowerment and pride.”

Looking to the future, DJ Wiwa sees a world where inclusive design plays a significant role in improving accessibility and inclusivity, especially in education, healthcare, and employment. “Reflecting on my schooling, I think about how much better I would have done if we had had the right technology. If computers had been part of the system then I would have performed better. This is why I’m pushing for these changes now,” she says.

To anyone with disabilities, especially young people, her advice is simple but profound: “Always believe in yourself and never give up. Be patient.”

Follow DJ Wiwa’s musical journey, connect on Instagram