Why this Malaysian deaf musician loves to play Chinese drums

Music provides the deaf with a platform to showcase their talents. Photo: Filepic

The deaf should never view their disability as an obstacle. Instead, they should challenge perceptions and prove their capability to excel in various fields, says deaf musician Harry Chong Kai Zhen, 32.

The Selangor-born drummer, pianist and guitarist is also the leader of DeafBeat, the country’s pioneering deaf percussion group. DeafBeat, founded in 2007, is a project by YMCA Kuala Lumpur’s Pusat Majudiri ‘Y’ for the Deaf (PMY).

Chong emphasises that the deaf should engage in different activities to boost their confidence.

“If you (a hearing person) can do it, so can I! If you are deaf, do not label yourself as a person who cannot hear. Deaf individuals can ‘hear’ through feeling and seeing things. They may not be able to hear, but they can feel vibrations and see through visualisation,” said Chong, a businessman and part-time Bahasa Isyarat Malaysia (BIM) sign language translator, in an email interview.

Some drummers can memorise drumming beats by feeling the vibration. Photo: Marcus Ng

Chong, born deaf, credits his mother for encouraging him to join DeafBeat seven years ago.

“My mother proposed and encouraged me to join the troupe so that I could have a brighter future as part of the deaf community. I was also motivated to join DeafBeat to raise awareness on what the deaf can do with musical instruments,” said Chong, the elder of two siblings.

Being a percussionist demands precision in timing and coordination, aspects where Chong excels in despite his deafness.

“I played piano and guitar until Grade Eight, so I can learn music faster using my hearing aids.”

Through various performances and engagements, he has gained the confidence to interact with diverse audiences, both deaf and hearing.

“This is not easy, but what matters most is starting from within,” said Chong, who has attended a deaf conference in South Korea’s Jeju Island.

Music provides the deaf with a platform to showcase their talents. Photo: Filepic

PMY chairman A. Lokanathan stated that PMY’s vision is to empower and nurture a resilient deaf community, serving as an inspiration and catalyst for both deaf individuals and their supporters, including parents.

DeafBeat inspires other deaf individuals to explore their potential and pursue their passions. It serves as a source of motivation for those who may doubt their abilities.

“DeafBeat is a community of deaf musicians who use music and the arts to showcase qualities like perseverance, determination and self-esteem. They aim to convey to the hearing community that deaf percussionists possess just as much talent as their hearing counterparts.”

Recently on Sept 9, DeafBeat performed at the Malaysian Youth SDG (Sustainable Development Goals) Summit in Cheras, KL and on Sept 23, they will be performing at Petaling Jaya’s The Beautiful Gate Foundation For The Disabled’s 30th anniversary celebrations.

“Through these programmes, we hope to create more awareness of BIM and the deaf culture. In the future, DeafBeat plans to have mini workshops on deaf awareness programmes for the public and schools,” said Lokanathan.

YMCA KL is having its International Week of the Deaf event on Oct 1. Activities include Journey Into The Deaf World awareness programme, learning basic BIM and understanding the role of the World Association of Sign Language Interpreters.