dj NaNa

“Nana’s my real name. As a deejay, there are variations on the spelling (djnana, Na Na, NaNa or NaNA), but I’m known by the same name to friends and strangers. I’m originally from Ghana but was born and raised in Waterloo, Ontario. My parents are responsible for where I am today – along with my heritage, they gave me my love of music. As a hip hop deejay, my influences range from the predictable (Wu Tang Clan, Saukrates) to the not-quiteso-obvious (Zamfir, Portishead), and everything in between.
”I completed a degree in Fine Arts Cultural Studies from York University, Toronto and learned to appreciate the value of an interdisciplinary approach, which I apply to my work as a deejay. I have a philosophy on spinning: it’s an art and a science, and I continuously study both. The history of music and the evolution of sound provide my theoretical background. Practicing turntablism as I would an instrument has given me the technical proficiency. Studying human emotions and responses to everyday things allows me to tune into the needs of my audience. And I can only get better, and so I study and practice at every given opportunity.
“As a deejay, I’ve performed in Toronto, Montreal and Halifax – the places I’ve played at represent my adaptability.
From trendy nightspots to underground meccas, from stilettos to hoodies, I’ve been there and definitely moved the crowd. I’ve held several deejay residencies in Toronto and elsewhere (including Alto Basso, Labyrinth Lounge, Le Swimming, Revival Bar) most of which I’ve helped organize and promote with the aim
of turning them into hip hop institutions.
”Affiliations with District Six Music, LOVEmovement and the Creation Company mean that I get to play a major part in some of the biggest hip hop events in Toronto.
“I’m always looking to take my work to the next level, and my deejay skills have been incorporated into several live shows – including spoken word artist/emcee Kamau (The Pangea Project) and hip hop/soul/funk band Matisse & the Playground. In the past year, I’ve also managed to score billing as the opening act for The Roots and k-os.
”Not content with simply performing live, I’ve held down regular spots on radio – both traditional
(CHRY105.5FM) and internet (www.djshows.com).
“As a promoter, I’ve worked on spreading the word for campaigns for Jill Scott’s “Beautifully Human”,
McDonald’s “I’m lovin’ it” and the African Way Tour (which featured K’naan the Dusty Foot Philosopher
alongside South African hip hop band Tumi and the Volume) and mix cd.
“People seem so quick to pigeonhole deejays – I think of myself as an innovator. I’m an artist, a deejay, performer, producer, music supervisor, promoter, entrepreneur. In the name of growth, I’ve started a company: ear2muchconcepts Inc. My aim is to inspire others, bridge gaps and set new artistic standards of integrity infused with creativity. There’ll be more to come – the way I see it things will just get bigger and better from here on.
”Make dreams reality.”