“Five Minutes With” Calgary Artist DJ Stagez

DJ Stagez began his career in the music business as a host on local radio, hosting an inspirational music program. He later combined spoken word, rap, dancing, and drumming performing on small and large stages. He has performed numerous times in Saskatoon Folk-Fest and performed in Nova Scotia in events focusing on the Canadian Black experience and spent two years performing, touring, and teaching dance in rural Alberta. He has also performed before small and large audiences in England and East Africa where he is currently in residence learning about the roots of hip hop.

Dj Stagez is also a published poet and one of his poems appeared in Calgary’s own audio poetry project called “This Might Help”. Sharing his passion for Black identity he recently published a book exploring sensitive race relations titled “Canada’s Darkest Dilemma: The growing problem of anti-Blackness and how to overcome it” which
is available on Amazon.

When he is not making music, DJ Stagez spends his time teaching motivational dance and drumming to children, youth and adults in schools, businesses, and non-profit organizations.

DJ Stagez is a National Dance and Music Artist with the Canadian Council for the Arts, member of Alberta Music and Alberta Dance Alliance.

Dj Stagez

Name:

Dj Stagez

Genre:

Hip Hop/Alternative Rap

Founded:

Started while in High School

# of Albums:

I have 3 albums and 7 singles

Latest Album:

Being Black

Latest Single:

Breaking the Mold

Latest Video:

Favourite musician growing up:

Michael Jackson

Favourite musician now:

Tate McRae

Guilty pleasure song:

Gangsta Paradise

Live show ritual:

Take in 10 deep breaths

Favourite local musician:

D’orjay

Early bird or night owl?

Creativity flows better for me in the wee hours of the morning

Road or studio?

Studio

Any shows or albums coming up?

I am currently working on an album fusing native African music with contemporary hip-hop. I am learning traditional African musical instruments that will be featured in the music.

Where can we follow you?

Website | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook

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Rapid Fire Calgary Qs

Favourite local restaurant:

Geez on 17 th  Ave

Favourite street in your city:

4 th  St. I love its vibrancy

Favourite Park in your city:

North Glenmore Park. Walking its trails inspires me

Favourite music venue in your city:

The Blues Can. We all need some blues now and then

Favourite music store in your city:

Long& McQuade. I have bought a few guitars from this store

 

 

About Demian Vernieri 524 Articles
Demian is an Argentinian retired musician, avid gamer and editor for the Montréal Guardian, Toronto Guardian, Calgary Guardian and Vancouver Guardian websites.