At the tender age of seven, Kade Keen already knew he wanted to be a DJ, despite being diagnosed with cerebral palsy at birth which has left him wheel-chair bound and no control over some muscles.
Now at the age of 22, Keen’s dream of playing music at weddings and other gigs could soon be realised, thanks to mother and son, Melanie and Daniel Hugo.
After hearing about Keen’s condition and his aspirations, Melanie from Blue Zoo Hair and Beauty in Vincent and Daniel, an East London DJ and founder of Sounds of Summer events, rallied to raise funds to buy Keen the much-needed equipment to kickstart his DJ career.
“When I heard about Keen and what he wanted to do I immediately knew I had to help. So I got hold of my son, Daniel, who is a DJ to find out how we could help,” said Melanie.
Earlier this month Daniel posted Keen’s plea on their business Facebook page, informing users of their intentions and calling for support.
“I know how it feels when you want to do something you are passionate about but do not have all the support you need. I was fortunate to have my mother for support when I started out but others did not support my passion,” said Daniel.
Unlike Daniel, Keen has no mother to support him or a father.
When he was three days old his 16-year-old mother abandoned him and left him in the care of his father and grandmother.
Due to his underdeveloped lungs, he stayed in hospital until he reached the required weight in order to be discharged.
At three months old, he was diagnosed with cerebral palsy.
At the age of 13 his father died and Keen was placed in the care of his grandmother.
After a long battle with cancer, his grandmother died two years ago.
“I have a friend, aunt and uncle who support me and look out for me,” said Keen.
Speaking to the Saturday Dispatch, Keen said he was beyond grateful for what the Hugos were doing for him.
“I remember being seven and I would pretend to be a DJ playing in a club for my imaginary friends. At first my grandmother thought I was crazy but soon realised this was my dream and she supported me,” said Keen.
When Keen’s grandmother died she had saved him some money to buy the DJ equipment and left him a VW Caddy which was perfectly suited to his needs.
“I went into partnership with a friend and bought the equipment, but a few months after doing a few events he bailed on me, taking the equipment with him,” said Keen.
To date, the Facebook plea has received more than 400 likes and about 200 shares.
The Hugos say there has been help from all directions.
“Two national DJs have committed to donate some equipment,” said Daniel.
The Hugos hope to raise R15000 and ask anyone who wishes to donate cash or equipment to contact Blue Zoo Hair & Beauty on 043-726-9818 or 0834001771.
Childhood dream of being DJ needs help
Now at the age of 22, Keen’s dream of playing music at weddings and other gigs could soon be realised, thanks to mother and son, Melanie and Daniel Hugo.
After hearing about Keen’s condition and his aspirations, Melanie from Blue Zoo Hair and Beauty in Vincent and Daniel, an East London DJ and founder of Sounds of Summer events, rallied to raise funds to buy Keen the much-needed equipment to kickstart his DJ career.
“When I heard about Keen and what he wanted to do I immediately knew I had to help. So I got hold of my son, Daniel, who is a DJ to find out how we could help,” said Melanie.
Earlier this month Daniel posted Keen’s plea on their business Facebook page, informing users of their intentions and calling for support.
“I know how it feels when you want to do something you are passionate about but do not have all the support you need. I was fortunate to have my mother for support when I started out but others did not support my passion,” said Daniel.
Unlike Daniel, Keen has no mother to support him or a father.
When he was three days old his 16-year-old mother abandoned him and left him in the care of his father and grandmother.
Due to his underdeveloped lungs, he stayed in hospital until he reached the required weight in order to be discharged.
At three months old, he was diagnosed with cerebral palsy.
At the age of 13 his father died and Keen was placed in the care of his grandmother.
After a long battle with cancer, his grandmother died two years ago.
“I have a friend, aunt and uncle who support me and look out for me,” said Keen.
Speaking to the Saturday Dispatch, Keen said he was beyond grateful for what the Hugos were doing for him.
“I remember being seven and I would pretend to be a DJ playing in a club for my imaginary friends. At first my grandmother thought I was crazy but soon realised this was my dream and she supported me,” said Keen.
When Keen’s grandmother died she had saved him some money to buy the DJ equipment and left him a VW Caddy which was perfectly suited to his needs.
“I went into partnership with a friend and bought the equipment, but a few months after doing a few events he bailed on me, taking the equipment with him,” said Keen.
To date, the Facebook plea has received more than 400 likes and about 200 shares.
The Hugos say there has been help from all directions.
“Two national DJs have committed to donate some equipment,” said Daniel.
The Hugos hope to raise R15000 and ask anyone who wishes to donate cash or equipment to contact Blue Zoo Hair & Beauty on 043-726-9818 or 0834001771.
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