Band Bio

As a globally touring performer, charting recording artist and award-winning social entrepreneur, Lachi—born legally blind—uses her platform in music, storytelling and fashion to amplify identity pride and Disability Culture to mainstream discussion. From walking the New York Fashion Week and Barbie Premiere carpets with a bejeweled cane to belting ballads on the TEDx stage, Lachi incorporates her disability identity into all aspects of her art, and art into all aspects of her activism. Her work has been lauded in the New York Times, Billboard, Forbes, Good Morning America and USA Today, where she was named a 2024 Woman of the Year.

Lachi is Founder of the U.N.-recognized organization RAMPD (Recording Artists and Music Professionals with Disabilities), which—through collaborations with firms like Netflix, SONY Pictures Entertainment, TIDAL and more—brings disability-inclusive programming to the industry and career opportunity to music professionals with disabilities, neurodivergence, and chronic and mental health conditions. RAMPD partners with the GRAMMYs and other notable concerts, festivals and events on high-visibility accessibility and inclusion. In 2023 RAMPD received Ford funding, a Music Business Association award, and a Borealis Philanthropy award for working to bridge the inequality gap for hundreds of music professionals.

Lachi also governs on the GRAMMYs New York Chapter Board and advises on the National Independent Venue Association, Songwriters of North America and Audio Engineering Society DEI Committees.

As an artist and personality, Lachi partners with international artists and brands, touring globally, to bring her positive spin on disability to international audiences through purpose-driven projects. Her 2023 pop track “Lift Me Up”, celebrating American Sign Language and disability community, peaked at #29 on the national Adult Contemporary Radio charts, airing on BETSoul, MTV.com, and receiving millions of streams across platforms in its first week. She has twice appeared on PBS, hosting segments amplifying disabled rebels, voiced audio-description for Netflix’s Kanye West docu-series, published her NYU study assessing accessibility in the recording industry at the 2023 Audio Engineering Society convention, and regularly holds discussions with top music entities on actionable accessibility and inclusion strategies.

Outside of this, Lachi consults or keynotes and performs at festivals, national firms, nonprofits, universities and cultural centers globally to advance disability, identity and culture. She’s done so with the White House, UN, the BBC, CNBC, Lincoln Center, Julliard, Google, Amazon, FOX corp and many others. 

Named a “dedicated foot soldier for disability pride” by Forbes, Lachi’s been featured in Essence, Vogue and LA Times for her advocacy work. She has been listed in Cranes Business 40 Under 40, received a Social Justice Award from New York City Nightlife United, was honored in 100 Women to Know presented by JPMorgan / Chase, named a 2023 Leading Woman by Adage and recognized by both GRAMMY.com and LinkedIn as a go-to voice in disability inclusion.

Videos

PROGRAMMING IDEAS, POLICY GOALS, AND TARGET AUDIENCES

-Answers provided by the band-

How does your band uniquely represent American Culture:

Lachi represents a relatively unique mix of identities – first generation Nigerian-American, blind, female, and queer. Her ability to not only make a living off her work, but to find success and recognition for it, is uniquely American. America is one of the most accessible and equitable countries in the world for people with disabilities, and is also one of the few places musicians and creatives can build a truly robust and independent career. Her music is soulful and purpose driven, reflecting not only the uniquely American style of pop piano with elements of rap and hip-hop sprinkled in.

If you were to lead a workshop abroad, what would you want to focus on:

Lachi is a dynamic, outspoken speaker and performer using music, fashion and storytelling to amplify identity culture and pride. She’s also the go-to voice for accessibility and disability inclusion in the Music Industry.

Well-established in the industry, Lachi collaborates with renowned figures and brands, national firms and nonprofits to offer game-changing discussions on DEI and cultural impact. Her powerful story serves as a source of motivation for others.

Founder of the award winning organization RAMPD.org a coalition of accredited music professionals with disabilities who serve to amplify Disability Culture, and promote equitable inclusion and accessibility in the Music Industry.

Elected as a Recording Academy Board Governor, Lachi advocates for diverse musicians, from policy to visibility. Weather through public speaking, keynote performances, leading public calls to action or private consultations, Lachi infuses her advocacy from the lens of intersectionality..

From best-practices, to etiquette workshops, to keynote talks on culture and equity, to performances and social activations, Lachi engages with major production houses, labels, publishers, corporate music firms and arts foundations to heighten the necessary conversation of Disability representation in mainstream culture.

What audiences would fit best for a workshop with your band?

• Early-career, professional artists
• Established, professional artists

What issues are your band passionate about, and why?

• Advancing democratic principles
• Promoting mutual understanding
• Promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility

Culture is an ever-changing reflection of who we are as a people. Culture changes, as people change, and generally when that change is driven by wider understanding, we change for the better. Inclusion efforts are here to widen an individuals perception of the people around them, to hear new stories and make new friends and find new opportunities.

---

Individual bios