Saturday Love To Give A Shout Out To Canada's Urban DJs

By FYI Staff

After speaking with other dance DJs across the nation, it quickly became evident that the current lockdown is having a ruinous impact on their lives.

 “The more influential and experienced DJs, such as myself, may have a minor disruption in finances, whereas the newer DJs, or those that don’t have regular gigs, are feeling it much more,” says popular DJ CharlieB (born Ajay Saxena)

 “For some individuals, bringing nightlife entertainment to life may have been their primary source of income,” he continues. “Whether that was DJing, bartending or other roles in the industry, this pandemic has brought their income to a complete halt.”

The mandated disruption has been felt across the entertainment industry and it will likely continue beyond the quarantine period, impacting much more than just finances as mental health issues often stem from monetary challenges. “In different ways, many people lent a helping hand to lift me up when I was a young DJ and I feel obligated to pay it forward,” B explains as the prelude to launching an online DJ-led dance party this evening that he hopes can bring in donations that can be given to his most needing cast.

Inspired by a successful fundraiser by DJ Envy in the US, music scene, DJ CharlieB has rounded up his celeb friends and Canada’s music community for Saturday Love in support of 50 up-and-coming DJs across the country who are temporarily without a source of income due to the impacts of the lockdown.

Starting at 2 pm this Saturday (May 2^nd), CharlieB will kick off Saturday Love on Instagram Live by chatting with celebrity friends like Kardinal Offishall, Director X, Darnell Nurse, Roy Woods, DJ Envy, DJ Drama, Andre De Grasse and Jozy Altidore. Then, at 3 pm, the event sponsored by D’USSÉ, will see 14 of Canada’s top DJs including 4Korners (Toronto Raptors’ official DJ), Cale Granton (Toronto Maple Leafs’ official DJ) and Nightowl Sound (OVO DJs), join the IG Live for 30- minute sets each. Viewers will be directed to the Saturday Love GoFundMe page where DJ CharlieB hopes to raise at least $20,000 to help 50 DJs from across Canada.

Noteworthy is that the intended goal of $20K has already been reached; however, the need remains so don't hesitate in joining in and making a donation yourself.

Before the sets start, host DJ CharlieB will kick off the fundraiser by asking his celeb guests one question — What Does Music Mean to You?  2-10 pm.

The event features sponsorship from various companies including Slaight Music.