Deafbeat is a pioneering drumming ensemble from Malaysia that redefines the way we experience rhythm, sound, and communication. Founded in 2008 and led by multidisciplinary artist Lee Mok Yee, the group is composed of performers from the hearing-impaired community. Using vibration instead of sound as the foundation for rhythm, Deafbeat developed a unique training method that allows deaf drummers to engage fully with musical expression.

Under Lee’s leadership since 2014, Deafbeat has evolved into much more than a drumming group — it is a platform for artistic empowerment and inclusion. By integrating sign language into performances, the ensemble transforms gesture into visual rhythm, creating a sensory experience that audiences can both see and feel.

Through its workshops and performances, Deafbeat challenges conventional ideas of music and performance, inviting audiences to reconsider how art can transcend sensory limitations. The collective celebrates ability over limitation, amplifies underrepresented voices, and fosters meaningful exchange between Deaf and hearing communities — demonstrating how art can bridge difference and inspire empathy.