Signmark (a.k.a. Marko Vuoriheimo) was born deaf into a world where music is for the hearing. He pursued his childhood dream and became the first deaf in the world to get a record deal.
 
Signmark’s career in music started with translating Christmas carols to sign language so the whole family could sing together. After watching music videos on MTV, Signmark decided that one day his own videos would be on TV too. He fell for hip-hop and rap music, both because of the beat and the possibility to talk about important issues through the music. His dreams about music business were too much for some of his friends who said that it’s the most ridiculous dream a deaf person can have and that music is only for the hearing.
 
Signmark ignored those who doubted him, kept pursuing his childhood dream. With the help from his friends and a large group of volunteers, Signmark released the world’s first sign language hip-hop DVD in 2006. At the release party MTV-News was filming in front row. Signmark’s second album ”Breaking the Rules” was released by Warner Music and Signmark became the first deaf in the world to get a record deal with an international music label. Signmark was introduced to the mainstream audience and media when he was asked to join the national Eurovision Song Contest. The Finnish people gave their massive support to Signmark who came second in the national contest. Signmark has performed all around the world, in 33 countries so far, for example in Ethiopia, Iceland, Spain, Japan, Brazil and USA. TV documentaries about him has been made about him in Germany, Norway and Hungary among other places. The live shows are always bilingual. The songs thus far have been performed with International Sign Language and spoken English. Signmark’s unique and original work has not been unnoticed; several contemporary cultural organizations have praised him and e.g. he won The Outstanding Young Person of the World 2009 prize. Signmark has recently released his new album Silent Shout on May 2nd, 2014. The album and a video to every song are currently available on iTunes.
 
Signmark spreads his message over strong beats where hard, low frequencies and bass are playing a crucial part in his performance. These elements help him adapt to the rhythm as he proves; music is more than what you can hear! Also hip-hop culture has the tradition of stretching boundaries of art, culture, politics, and society. Rap goes beyond music, lyrics, culture and languages and helped the signing community to find their own voice. With his music and positive approach Signmark wants to change attitudes towards the Deaf. Signmark feels that the society should not treat the Deaf as handicapped people, but as a linguistic minority with their own culture, community, history and heritage. Appreciating diversity is exceedingly important in today’s increasingly multicultural world.

WAWA:
When you go to “Wawa’s House”, you’ll be taken to a whole new level of music through DEAF eyes! Yes, deaf as in can’t hear – but wears hearing aids, speaks and signs – ALL VERY WELL! This multi-talented performer with a fan base across the nation and beyond, is originally from Philadelphia, now residing in the Washington, DC area. This consummate entertainer has been performing since childhood and has and does nearly everything in the entertainment world, plus traveled the globe for the past dozen years. Known affectionately as “WAWA”, Warren Snipe has written powerful poems and songs and his passion for music grew to a point that he had to share with the world. So watch out Wawa’s doing what he does best…breaking down barriers and taking on challenges. He’s the type that like to break down barriers, every day in every way moving one step closer to his life’s personal goal…to put Deaf recording artists on the mainstream music map! The world’s gonna know a new music genre:
 
DIP-HOP (Deaf hip-hop). DIP HOP is Hip-Hop thru deaf eyes. Nowadays people see and understand Hip-Hop through hearing culture but what about the deaf? Wawa’s lyrics takes you in the Deaf World. Wawa’s making sure that the Deaf community is getting HEARD! Sho Sum Luv!
 
WAWA’s DJ NICAR:
Nicar is a full time music producer and deejay residing in Washington, DC where he’s currently holds the crown as, “DC Rap’s Beat Battle Champion”. Music credits include the MTV shows “My Super Sweet 16″, “Teen Cribs”, and MTV3’s “Pimpiando”. DJ Nicar has collaborated with numerous independent artists and performed around the country. His production and mixing style is versatile, incorporating a range of music from Top40, Electronic Dance Music, dance hall and hip-hop to suit the atmosphere. Nicar is currently contributing production on Wawa’s sophomore album to be released this fall.

A deaf musician seems like a contradictory concept, until you witness the cultural infusion shown in work by Prinz-D The First Deaf Rapper. Success did not come easy for this Washington, DC based artist. In his early career he was told to discontinue his music, because his pronunciation was “sub-par.” Later he was even booed off a stage in front of a local deaf audience, for not performing his songs in sign language. These experiences evoked a desire within Prinz-D to become the artist he is today.
 
Prinz-D’s style combines vocal rapping with American Sign Language. In music videos, he adds the element of closed captioning, making hip-hop even more accessible through his work. Regardless of the barriers that have been placed in his way, Prinz-D continues to show heartfelt ability in overcoming obstacles. This has lead to him becoming widely known nation-wide, with a sizable following overseas.