Well what can we not say about Mr. Baba Kahn? From being one of the first South Asian mainstream DJ's to hit the night life (not to mention the number 1 voted RnB DJ), to being an established promoter/producer and a celebrity wherever he sets foot. Based in Toronto, Canada; Baba has successfully established himself as one of North America's largest musical personalities.
Recently I got a chance to visit this giant of the entertainment industry at his home. Before we got started, I got asked if I wanted to have a drink in such Desi sort of a way, I was shocked! I thought to myself, no matter what you are and how big you get, once an Indian always an Indian.
Getting into it. Baba Kahn's career began at the age of 15 when he went to his first nightclub, and was blown away by way the D.J. who was in control of the crowd. The next day he begged his mom to get him turntables and the legacy began. Forget homework the only thing on this boy's mind was to achieve his goal of being the best. This didn't come easy as he had to work his way up, from doing small warehouse parties, day jams, school and graduation parties.
It was around that time when Baba's name started ringing in peoples mind. After the formation of Triple XTC, he moved on playing at local night clubs, marketing himself and promoting parties.
Around the same time, he was the regular DJ on the friday night live to air Wreckshop Radio on WBLK 93.7 FM. This show had been an overwhelming success for all the people involved for the four years it ran. Not only that but, Baba now had three different radio shows running concurrently. He added his own mix shows on AM 530 Flava' Street and 105.5 FM.
After the radio, Baba's focused on to Toronto's night club scene. He was named the top DJ and now had full house crowds at every single party he promoted, and packed capacity crowds at his regular nights at the Powerbar and the Guvernment nite clubs. He also had promoters running around behind him for bookings, the same promoters that once had told him to take a hike.
Baba was also quick to point out, that the industry we see in its full colours and the glamour, is also full of hatred, greed and jealousy. According to Baba, success creates foes not just due to jealousy but also due to racial tensions. Baba's coming in to this industry also brought about a change in our community here in Toronto. More and more people are now getting in to the night culture and people of South Asian decent are no exception to this. Baba is now recognized as being one of the reasons for Desi people taking over the night club scene. However, there have been problems as racial tensions have caused many a party to be canceled. But Baba's tries to set all this aside and enjoys the diverse crowds dancing to his tunes.
He has opened up for artists such as: Run Dmc, Montel Jordan, Total, John Forte, Busta Ryhmes, Destiny's Child, Ce CE Peniston, Tamia, Funk Master Flex, Ladae, Jungle Brothers and more. Baba Kahn's television experience includes deejaying on BET's (Black Entertainment Television) first live taping in Toronto for a Halloween Special which aired October 31st, 1998. This Halloween special featured special guest like Deborah Cox and superstar calypso artists Machel and Allision Hinds.
He also deejayed and appeared on Bet's Caribana television special which featured special guest Destiny's Child and many others. Baba Kahn was also chosen to deejay on Electric Circus taped live here in Toronto where he was given the nickname "Mr. R&B".
When asked, "You have achieved so much in your career in so little time what is the one thing that you still desire?" Baba replies "Getting my own production album out". There's one thing he still wants and that is to have an album out under a record label and to be able to see it on the shelves of H.M.V when he walks in.
Asked "when do u see this goal turning in to reality?" he says, "soon very soon indeed". Just what he has under his sleeve only Baba can say, but judging by the work this man has put out and produced in the industry I think we should watch out for it.
And what does this master to the craft have to say to the up and coming batch of young disc jockey's in the industry, "work hard, do your homework, and get all types of music, don't give up."
If you're a party freak just like so many of us are, I highly recommend you take your booty over to a jam where this man is set to play. For more information on Baba Kahn (Check out Baba's event listings) please visit his official home page at www.babakahn.com