Founded by Troi Lee, AKA DJ Chinaman, Deaf Rave has facilitated space for Deaf people to enjoy the rave for over 20 years. The work has been consistent, and with a clear and motivated vision to give Deaf, Hearing and Disabled Artists a platform to showcase their talent, the organization continues to change the lives of Deaf ravers and artists all over the UK.
Deaf Rave was born through Troi’s love for music and a passion to help his community. Since starting the organisation, they are now the leading figureheads in the UK for Deaf raving, providing entertainment with music, sign song and visual performances to an all-inclusive global audience. His mission is to showcase these different elements and in turn, show Deaf people and children that although they may face some barriers, consuming music and attending live events is not only possible, but enjoyable. A movement that ultimately unites everyone through music, whilst promoting their unique Deaf/Disabled identity and teaching everyone about Deaf Culture along the way.
At the very core of this mission, Deaf Rave is run by a crew of unapologetic ravers who want to bring bangin’ music and amazing vibes to the masses; and with their work creating a huge impact, we jumped into conversation with Troi to find out more.
Troy! You’ve been running Deaf Rave for 20 years. What was the main driving factor for starting the organization?
We have been running Deaf Rave for 25 years now – since 2003! I was hardcore raver and a true junglist. Somehow, back then, I used to go to a Deaf Pub to meet people from the Deaf community, as it was the usual place for us to meet up. During that time, I said to people ‘Let’s go raving!’ They said ‘Nah, that’s for hearing people and hearing culture. We are deaf and that is that.’ But back then, the pub would close at 12am. Deaf people would be outside talking until 4am as we didn’t have anywhere to go. To my eyes, it was risky and dangerous for our community to be socializing like that. Therefore, I thought it was best I set up a rave to create a safe space so that Deaf people can carry on their conversations in sign language. That was when I introduced the Deaf community to the rave.
Also, another major factor was that we were Deaf DJs. We all played vinyls and we wanted to play out. Deaf Rave concept was a perfect platform to do so.
So you’re coming at this from both an artist and a raver. Talk to us through the range of services and events that you put on and your goals with doing so.
We offer a range of services such as Deaf DJ bookings, DJ and VJ (visuals) workshops, Disability consultant, mentoring, organize events and festivals for all ages. Deaf Rave is famous and known for over 18s parties. In the last 3 years, we have been doing children and family festivals as it is time for the youngsters to enjoy activities and music. Most of all, everyone has a good time. There are hardly any events for Deaf people. This was where my heart and passion came into play. We have many role models and we want the future generations to look up to them. We can only inspire!
Absolutely! Do you think attitudes towards Deaf people in music have improved since you started Deaf Rave?
Yes, definitely. We have paved the way for many other deaf performers in sign song, dance and DJing as we are known for providing a platform, a bit like a springboard, and then they fly off! Everyone has to ride out their unique journey. The mainstream festivals and events are now wanting to work with Deaf artists and talent more than ever as we have shown as an example that anything is possible, not the impossible vibes. We break down barriers, man. That’s what I have been doing since day one.
What important lessons have you learned over this time?
You have to be resilient and never give up your passion. There will always be barriers for Deaf people in general, all deaf people have 99 problems, we just have to break it down and find solutions. Due to my Hackney upbringing, I learned the hard way and I was very fortunate. For me, it was survival. I had to use all kinds of strategies to get by. That’s life, man.
Has anything surprised you along the way? Things you found harder or easier than you first thought when you started out?
Originally finding a venue for our first rave was a massive hurdle. My team would call the venues up and they all thought it was a joke. Thinking, how does this work? And, how are deaf people going to enjoy music? It was totally unheard of, until we had that one major breakthrough: The International Student House in Great Portland Street. The rest was history! Deaf Rave was born and a new era had begun. From then onwards, we performed at and organized nights at various clubs that have since closed down. Venues such as The Glasshouse in Blackfriars, The Mass in Brixton and The Rocket on Holloway Road – they were the legendary days!
Technology is advancing so quickly – has anything in particular piqued your interests that will further enhance music for Deaf people?
The vibration vest/backpacks called the Woojer. It is absolutely a game changer and put me on the map all over the UK and the world. Places like Germany and China. We are trendsetters with our innovative ideas. All I can say is that everyone wants what we have been doing for the last 25 years. People love my concept and take it further and to be honest, it is a compliment. Also the Woojer Zone for festivals and concerts, for Deaf attendees, is vital as accessibility and inclusion is a massive topic nowadays. We want Deaf people to experience the latest technology so they can enjoy the music and its immersive experiences.
Tell us about some Deaf artists that you’d love to big up!
Big up my main guy MC Geezera Deaf music producer and sign language rapper/MC. He loves basslines and drum & bass. He has gone so far now. When we play out, I’m the Deaf DJ and he is the Deaf MC. When we perform at Glastonbury or Boomtown, we totally shell it! He kills it on stage. We show them that we Deaf people have no fear and we make the loudest noise. We rinse it out in front of 2000-5000 people. Turn up the bass man, you lot gunna feel it!
Love that! Where would you like to take Deaf Rave next? Is there a future goal you’re working towards?
Education in the schools, wherever the Deaf children are. We teach DJ workshops and share knowledge on how to do DJing with DJ software, DJ controllers, laptops and Woojer vibration backpacks. They totally love it and we hope to see a new generation of Deaf DJs in the future! That is the legacy that I’m trying to build. Music never stops!
