WITH a global reputation, many regard Baba Kahn as Canada’s premier and most celebrated club DJ.
The multi-award winning DJ has played at big international venues and shared the stage with A-list stars including 50 Cent, Shah Rukh Khan and Ne-Yo.
He has also carved out an impressive career as a music producer and record label owner, which has featured official remixes for the likes of Lady Gaga, Britney Spears, Rihanna and Nicole Scherzinger.
He also created history with a pioneering radio show and currently hosts one that is broadcast globally.
Eastern Eye caught up with Baba Kahn to talk about his amazing journey and all things music...
What first connected you to music?
(Laughs) As a young kid, I was quite energetic, so I used music to help me blow off some steam and run around dancing like a maniac.
How do you look back on your musical journey?
Music’s been a massive part of my life. As I look back, I can relate certain artists and songs to events in my career. From the first moment I picked up a Chaka Khan record and got my DJ name, to listening to Bally Sagoo mash-up Indian music and me knowing I wanted to make my own music, to falling in love with hip-hop through Biggie Smalls’ Party And Bullsh*t.
You’ve had many highlights, but which one stands out?
Performing in front of 50,000 people in New York’s Times Square for their Diwali Festival was massive.
What first connected you to DJing?
I loved watching the reaction people got from hearing a song they loved. So I wanted to be the one to control that vibe and be a portal for people to hear great music.
What makes for a great DJ set?
A great set needs to take people on a journey. They need to go through highs and lows and feel like they’ve truly experienced something unique. It’s not about playing the songs they want to hear, it’s about playing the songs they don’t expect to hear and still make them dance!
Do you have any go-to songs that never fail?
Notorious BIG’s Hypnotize.
What has been your most memorable DJ set?
Playing for Chris Brown, Kanye West and Rihanna. The crowd was incredible and the energy was electric. It happened out of the blue and I’ll never forget it.
What advice would you give aspiring DJs?
Create your own style. People may not agree with it at first, but stick to it and stand out from the crowd.
Tell us about your radio shows...
I do the Rukus Avenue Radio official Top 20 Countdown and Wrath Of Kahn DJ Mix show. The Top 20 Countdown breaks down the top songs from the world of Bollywood, bhangra, urban desi and desi hip-hop.
Tell us about your hit podcast...
My podcast is called the Wrath of Kahn. It’s my own unique mash-up mix created for my love of music from both east and west genres. The mix is a journey of the unexpected and I feel that’s what has made it so successful. You can subscribe and listen to my podcast on iTunes and Spotify.
What can we expect from you next?
More new music with my unique flair,
not following any trend!
What music dominates your own personal playlist?
I listen to everything.
What inspires you?
Life and family inspires me.
Why do you love music?
Music has always been my escape and it’s the one true passion I’ve had my entire life.
