Can-Do Musos, Sydney (2026)

05/06/2026

🌍 Can-Do Musos Featured Country of the Month: Canada 🇨🇦

This month, we proudly spotlight three outstanding members of our Global Family from Canada — Mike Nagoda (Toronto, ON), W. Ian Walker (Hamilton, ON), and Johnnykid Carasso (Alliston, ON).

🎸 Mike Nagoda — Toronto, ON
Born with Cerebral Palsy, Mike Nagoda is a q***r and disabled blues and roots musician who has carved out a unique place in Canadian music. Unable to play guitar conventionally, Mike discovered the innovative double slide guitar technique developed by legendary Toronto bluesman Brian Cober. Under Cober's mentorship, Mike mastered the style and now proudly carries that legacy forward for a new generation.

A winner of the 2020 Toronto Blues Society Talent Search, Mike continues to push boundaries through his soulful, progressive blues and roots music. His work celebrates diversity, authenticity, and the power of telling stories that deserve to be heard.

🎤 W. Ian Walker — Hamilton, ON
W. Ian Walker has transformed the challenges of ADHD into a message of hope, inspiration, and personal growth. Guided by his motto, "Music Therapy vs Medicine," Ian has built a life dedicated to music, education, and advocacy.

A graduate of McMaster University and Humber College, Ian has studied and worked alongside some of the world's most respected musicians, conductors, and vocalists. His book, Stirring My Soul to Sing: Overcoming ADHD Through Song, shares how faith, music, and perseverance helped him overcome low self-esteem, depression, and many challenges associated with ADHD.

Today, Ian continues to inspire others by showing how music can be a powerful tool for healing and personal transformation.

🥁 Johnnykid Carasso — Alliston, ON
Johnnykid Carasso is a drummer, percussionist, conga, and bongo player whose musical journey began long before the punk rock explosion of 1977. Inspired by artists such as the S*x Pistols, Bob Marley, and the rhythms of dub music, he developed a distinctive style rooted in energy and groove.

Living with Multiple Sclerosis, Johnny faces the challenge of losing strength in his left hand, but his passion for music remains as strong as ever. His determination to continue playing and find new ways to adapt reflects the resilience that defines so many members of the Can-Do Musos family.

🇨🇦 Three unique artists.
Three inspiring journeys.
One shared belief: Music has no limits.

📰 Read the full bios on our website: www.candomusos.org
🌍 Support the mission of Can-Do Musos and help us continue empowering musicians with challenges around the world.
🎶 Donate here:
https://app.theauxilia.com/payments/client/can_do_musos
🤝 Join our Global Family:
www.candomusos.org

31/05/2026

Today, we celebrate determination, positivity, and powerful storytelling through Paul Mugambi, also known as “Mpofu,” from Garissa, Kenya 🇰🇪🎤

Blind for more than 16 years, Mpofu has used hip hop not only as music — but as motivation.

In a genre often described as “see-rap-about-it” music, Mpofu has proven that vision is not required to create powerful lyrics, meaningful messages, and real impact.

He began recording music in 2011 with one major goal:
🔥 To show that disability should never stop someone from pursuing their dreams.

Mpofu says:
🎙️ “I want to inspire people. I want someone to look at me and say, ‘Because of you, I didn’t give up.’”

That message sits at the center of everything he creates.

Through his music, Mpofu represents the disability community while encouraging both disabled and non-disabled audiences to rethink what ability truly means.

He believes blind people deserve the same opportunities as anyone else — not sympathy, but equal chances to succeed.

Despite major challenges, including raising funds for studio recording time, Mpofu continued pushing forward with his music career and developing his album:
🎧 Never Never Ever Give Up

One of the standout songs from the project is:
🎵 “My Ability”
recorded at Grandpa Records and featuring gospel artists Jackie and Val.

His growing influence even led to a television interview on Kenya’s KTN TV Morning Express in 2014, where he shared his hopes of collaborating with major East African artists including:
🎤 Avril
🎤 Professor Jay
🎤 Wanaume TMK

Mpofu’s story is a reminder that:
Real vision comes from purpose, persistence, and belief in yourself.

And no obstacle can silence a determined voice.

🎧 Connect with Paul Mugambi (Mpofu):
Website: https://www.mugambipaul.com

🌍 Support the mission of Can-Do Musos and help us continue empowering musicians with challenges around the world.

🎶 Donate here:
https://app.theauxilia.com/payments/client/can_do_musos

🤝 Join our Global Family:
www.candomusos.org

Every share, every donation, and every new member helps amplify ability over disability.

30/05/2026

Today, we spotlight perseverance, adaptability, and the healing power of rhythm through Shinichi Satou from Fukaya, Japan 🇯🇵🥁

At 65 years old, Shinichi continues proving that it is never too late to rediscover purpose through music.

Following a cerebral infection in 2002, Shinichi developed hemiparesis — a condition causing weakness and partial paralysis on one side of the body. After his disability, he admits there was a time when he felt his life had lost direction.

But instead of giving up, he chose to try something new.

Three years ago, Shinichi began taking drum lessons, hoping music could help both mentally and physically with his condition. Even while doubting whether it was possible, he stayed determined to keep learning.

And that determination continues to drive him forward today.

Shinichi says:
🥁 “I think the drums are effective mentally for a physical disability because I feel uplifted each time I play.”

Using a Roland TD-4KP electronic drum kit at home and an acoustic kit during lessons, Shinichi has developed his own unique playing style and adaptations to work around his hemiparesis.

He keeps his left foot fixed on the hi-hat pedal while using his right hand and right foot to create grooves and rhythms — constantly working toward his goal of playing at the same level as someone without a physical disability.

His musical inspirations come from legendary jazz and blues artists like:
🎹 Herbie Hancock
🎹 Horace Silver

Shinichi’s story is a powerful reminder that music can be more than performance.

It can be therapy.
It can be motivation.
It can help rebuild confidence, joy, and purpose.

Most importantly, his journey proves that growth does not have an age limit.

🌍 Support the mission of Can-Do Musos and help us continue empowering musicians with challenges around the world.

🎶 Donate here:
https://app.theauxilia.com/payments/client/can_do_musos

🤝 Join our Global Family:
www.candomusos.org

Every share, every donation, and every new member helps amplify ability over disability.

28/05/2026

Today we spotlight determination, technology, and the unstoppable power of creativity through Mario Contarino from Rome, Italy 🇮🇹🥁🎸

Diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy at just five years old, Mario’s connection to drums started early — first by playing on his mother’s saucepans around the house.

That passion quickly grew into a serious love for rhythm and rock music.

At 16 years old, Mario joined the Italian pop-rock band “Ladri di Carrozzelle,” a group made up largely of musicians living with similar disabilities. Playing electronic drum pads, Mario learned rhythm reading, arrangement, and live performance while touring across Italy.

Over six years with the band, they performed more than:
🎶 600 concerts
📺 National TV appearances
🎤 Major live events across Italy

One unforgettable highlight came in 2006 when the band performed at the famous “Concerto del Primo Maggio” in Rome’s Piazza San Giovanni — live on national television in front of thousands of people.

As Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy progressed, Mario gradually lost the physical strength needed to continue playing drums traditionally.

But music didn’t leave him.

Instead, he adapted.

Using technology, computer software, and digital instruments, Mario began composing and producing instrumental rock music through his personal project: TBP.

With programs like Steinberg Cubase and virtual instrument technology, he transformed his passion into a completely new creative outlet.

TBP became a project built around emotion and expression — blending styles including:
🎸 Hard Rock
🎹 Progressive Rock
🎶 Fusion
🔥 Blues
⚡ Metal
🎵 Funk

By 2011, Mario had already created nearly 30 hard-rock instrumental reinterpretations of famous songs.

Then, in 2012, he released the debut TBP album:
🎧 Universe Of Emotions

The album was mixed by renowned Italian guitarist Giacomo Castellano and marked a major milestone in Mario’s musical journey.

Mario’s story is proof that when one path changes, creativity can still find another way forward.

Music is not limited to physical ability.
It lives in imagination, passion, and persistence.

🎧 Connect with Mario Contarino / TBP Music:
Website: https://www.tbpmusic.com

🌍 Support the mission of Can-Do Musos and help us continue empowering musicians with challenges around the world.

🎶 Donate here:
https://app.theauxilia.com/payments/client/can_do_musos

🤝 Join our Global Family:
www.candomusos.org

Every share, every donation, and every new member helps amplify ability over disability.

23/05/2026

Today we celebrate rhythm, family tradition, and perseverance through James Downing from Cork, Ireland 🇮🇪🥁

Living with Cerebral Palsy, James has never allowed his disability to stand in the way of his passion for music.

Originally starting as a drum kit player, James later found his perfect fit with the Cajón — the national instrument of Peru, often described as a “drum kit in a box.”

That instrument became a key part of his musical identity.

James is a founding member of the award-winning Irish acoustic/pop duo The Shruggs alongside childhood friend Kees Hendrickx.

Over more than a decade, The Shruggs have built a strong reputation in the Irish music scene through:
🎶 Rich vocal harmonies
🥁 Complex driving rhythms
✍️ Strong songwriting
📱 Viral social media success

One standout moment came with their hugely popular “West Cork” video featuring Irish acting legend Pascal Scott from The Young Offenders and Killinaskully.

The Shruggs have also shared stages with respected Irish artists including:
🎤 Bagatelle
🎤 The Frank and Walters
🎤 Mark Geary
🎤 Robert Mizzell

James’ musical influences include legendary drummers like:
🥁 Buddy Rich
🥁 Steve Gadd
🥁 Manu Katché
🥁 Carter Beauford

Music also runs deep in James’ family.

He performs with his father Paddy in another band called “No Direction,” while his grandmother Edith was a choirmaster and organist, and his aunt Anne is a noted soprano.

For the Downing family, music isn’t just a hobby — it’s part of their legacy.

And James continues carrying that legacy forward with passion, positivity, and groove.

🎧 Connect with James Downing & The Shruggs:
Facebook: https://facebook.com/TheShruggsBandCork
More links: https://linktr.ee/theshruggsband

🌍 Support the mission of Can-Do Musos and help us continue empowering musicians with challenges around the world.

🎶 Donate here:
https://app.theauxilia.com/payments/client/can_do_musos

🤝 Join our Global Family:
www.candomusos.org

Every share, every donation, and every new member helps amplify ability over disability.

21/05/2026

🎶 Can-Do Radio Episode #219 is LIVE! 🎶

This episode features another incredible international lineup of musicians living with disabilities from:

🇦🇺 Australia
🇺🇸 USA
🇬🇬 Channel Islands
🇬🇧 England
🇮🇪 Ireland
🇧🇭 Bahrain

🎵 This show’s playlist includes:

1️⃣ Calling Utopia – Hero vs the Villain
2️⃣ Jake Nielsen’s Triple Threat – Questions
3️⃣ Flame The Band – Life Is Good
4️⃣ Aindree Reece Sherin – All the Way
5️⃣ Bree-Arne Manley – The Upward Turn
6️⃣ Maris and the Merry Rockers – Fruit of Life
7️⃣ Ambition Road – Better Life
8️⃣ Heidi Everett – AWOL
9️⃣ Joey Stuckey – Blind Man Drivin
🔟 Kyle Coleman – Shine
1️⃣1️⃣ The Shruggs – West Cork
1️⃣2️⃣ The Mendenhall Experiment – Seize the Day
1️⃣3️⃣ Brock Davisson – Calhoun County
1️⃣4️⃣ Zaina Arekat – Beasts of Wonder

Can-Do Radio proudly showcases talented musicians living with disabilities from around the world — proving every day that talent comes before disability. 🌍❤️

🎧 Tune in now at:
👉 https://tinyurl.com/268snzsz

🎶 Calling All Musicians! 🎶
Can-Do Radio is currently looking for new music to feature on upcoming episodes!
We proudly showcase artists living with disabilities from all over the world — giving them a platform to share their talent, stories, and sound. 🌍
🎤 Are you a musician with a disability?
🎧 Do you want your music heard by a global audience?
This is your opportunity to be featured on Can-Do Radio!
👉 Submit your music and learn more at:
[email protected]
At Can-Do Musos, we believe in one thing above all:
Talent comes before disability. 💪
Help us continue building a global community of incredible artists.
🎶 Donate here:
https://app.theauxilia.com/payments/client/can_do_musos

Thank you for supporting inclusive music and these incredible artists. 🌍❤️

17/05/2026

Today we proudly celebrate unity, talent, and inclusion through the incredible The Special National Orchestra of Iran from Gorgan, Iran 🇮🇷🎶

Founded in 2017 under the leadership of Maryam Gilasian, Director of the Behkoush Rehabilitation and Apprenticeship Center, the orchestra brings together 23 talented musicians with various disabilities from across Iran — including intellectual, physical, visual disabilities, and autism.

What began as the Legato Music Group at the Behkoush Rehabilitation Center quickly grew into something much larger:
a national movement centered around music, opportunity, and hope.

Maryam Gilasian and her team traveled across Iran identifying talented musicians with special needs, building an orchestra designed not around limitations — but around ability.

The orchestra was founded with powerful goals:
🌎 Promoting peace through music
🎶 Showcasing the talents of people with disabilities
💼 Creating opportunities and occupations for musicians with special needs

After two years of dedication and rehearsals, the orchestra made its major debut on December 14, 2018, at the Surah Hall in Tehran.

Performing 13 musical pieces, the orchestra received standing applause and recognition from celebrated Iranian artists and audiences alike.

That success sparked even more performances across the country, including major concerts in Mashhad and Gorgan in collaboration with welfare organizations, charities, and community partners.

But beyond the concerts, their message is even bigger:

People with disabilities are not defined by limitations.
They are artists.
Performers.
Creators.
Leaders.

The Special National Orchestra of Iran is proving that inclusion in the arts doesn’t lower standards — it expands humanity.

🎧 Connect with The Special National Orchestra of Iran:
Instagram: https://instagram.com/specialorchestra

🌍 Support the mission of Can-Do Musos and help us continue empowering musicians with challenges around the world.

🎶 Donate here:
https://app.theauxilia.com/payments/client/can_do_musos

🤝 Join our Global Family:
www.candomusos.org

Every share, every donation, and every new member helps amplify ability over disability.

16/05/2026

Today we celebrate creativity, independence, and lifelong dedication to music through hendramusic.com and Hendra Pristiwa from Bandung, Indonesia 🇮🇩🎹

Blind since birth, Hendra Jatmika Pristiwa discovered music at just seven years old when his uncle introduced him to the guitar. From that moment on, music became part of who he was.

He began entering music competitions early, always pushing himself to grow and improve. Rather than allowing blindness to limit his opportunities, Hendra studied alongside non-disabled students in public school, building confidence, strong social skills, and academic achievement.

Later, he attended a School for the Blind to strengthen his independence, orientation, and mobility skills — tools that helped him continue moving forward with confidence.

By high school, Hendra was already performing professionally in cafes with fellow musicians and expanding his talents across multiple instruments including drums, bass, and piano. Over time, piano became his signature instrument, earning him the nickname:
🎹 “Hendra Piano Man.”

Determined to deepen his musical knowledge, Hendra became the first visually impaired student accepted into the music education program at Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia in Bandung through hard work and persistence.

Alongside performing, he also worked in recording sessions for well-known musicians, gaining experience in new genres, techniques, and professional production.

Then came another breakthrough.

In 2000, Hendra began learning computer technology using screen reader software for the blind. He taught himself digital music recording, production, and arranging — eventually building his own professional home studio piece by piece.

Today, Hendra has:
🎶 Produced hundreds of songs
🎼 Created arrangements and original compositions
🎧 Produced jingles, cabaret music, and music illustrations
💻 Become a trainer in digital music recording
🎹 Mastered a wide collection of instruments and recording technology

His story proves something powerful:

Real vision is not about eyesight.
It’s about determination, curiosity, and the willingness to keep learning.

🎧 Connect with Hendra Pristiwa:
Facebook: https://facebook.com/hendramusicdotcom

🌍 Support the mission of Can-Do Musos and help us continue empowering musicians with challenges around the world.

🎶 Donate here:
https://app.theauxilia.com/payments/client/can_do_musos

🤝 Join our Global Family:
www.candomusos.org

Every share, every donation, and every new member helps amplify ability over disability.

13/05/2026

🥁🔥 Welcome to Can-Do Musos, Avi Albert! 🔥🥁

Please help us welcome our newest member, Avi Albert from Buffalo, New York! 🇺🇸🎶

Born with Cerebral Palsy, Avi always had a deep desire to express himself creatively in any way he could. The road wasn’t always easy, and outside of his family, support was often limited — but Avi refused to let negativity define his future. 💪

Living by the motto:
✨ “There is no such thing as can’t, only I can.” ✨

Avi pushed beyond expectations and discovered his passion behind a drum kit, where he could truly let his spirit and determination shine. Inspired by jazz legends like Gene Krupa, drumming has become more than music for Avi — it’s a source of resilience, persistence, courage, and self-expression. 🥁❤️

Musicians like Avi remind the world exactly what Can-Do Musos is all about: turning challenges into strength and proving that music has no limits. 🌍🎶

🌐 Follow Avi here:
www.facebook.com/Avikid12

Please join us in giving Avi a huge welcome to the Can-Do Musos Global Family! 👏🔥

08/05/2026

🎸🔥 Welcome to Can-Do Musos, The Oh Yeahs! 🔥🎸

Please give a huge welcome to our newest members from Sydney, NSW, Australia — The Oh Yeahs featuring Blind Mike and Mr Chrum! 🇦🇺🎶

The Oh Yeahs don’t just make music — they champion disability inclusion while delivering explosive, high-energy punk shows that keep crowds dancing. Their sound has been described as the lovechild of blink-182, The Angels, and Avicii — packed with infectious grooves, emotional depth, and relentless energy.

Fronted by Blind Mike, whose vision and voice continue to break barriers, the band is passionate about making punk gigs accessible, welcoming, and unforgettable for everyone. 💥

They’ve recently rocked venues including:
🎵 MoshPit – Erskineville
🎵 Vic On The Park – Marrickville
🎵 The Vicar Hotel – Dural

Their powerful track “Breaking Out” tackles themes of survival, domestic violence, teen angst, resilience, and freedom — delivering a message of hope to anyone fighting to reclaim their worth. ❤️

Their single “Anthem” is a pop-punk powerhouse about pushing through pain, leaning on your friends, and finding light at the end of the tunnel.

🎧 Stream The Oh Yeahs on Spotify and Apple Music!
🌐 Website: https://ohyeahsband.com

We’re proud to welcome The Oh Yeahs into our growing global family of musicians, proving every day that music has no limits! 🌍🎶

Can-Do Musos

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