Razan is a young DJ who, at 23 years old, is already growing a great reputation in her Calgary community. For Razan, DJing provides her with a creative escape from her current reality. It’s a way for people to see her for her talents instead of seeing her physical challenges as a result of cerebral palsy.
She shares that her favourite quote is “my body may be limited, but my spirit is unstoppable,” and explains “my body is the way I guide the world, but if I let my spirit through, no one will see my body. That’s why I like DJing – because they see who I really am on the inside as opposed to not being able to walk a couple of steps without falling.”
Razan began DJing at the age of 15 by learning how to use her brother’s equipment. “My first party was with his system at a friend’s birthday party. I can’t dance without falling, so he let me control the music. At the end of the party, everyone was asking for my number and it sparked an idea that I can do this for a living.”
Once she found her passion, Razan looked for ways she could keep improving – but she was limited by the equipment she had. “I only had a small deck where I could transition only two songs and it had no effects, nothing unique that would symbolize what an actual mix DJ would do instead of just a basic transition.” That’s when she realized her Shine Dream request.
“I am really happy with the new DJ equipment because I can do better quality work. Down the line, I know I'll be able to expand from a hobby to a small business and stand on my own two feet. I’m grateful because now with your help, I am able to meet people who see me for who I am and not my disability. I have much more independence in my life, I can make connections with people who see me as a professional, and visit places I would never normally be invited to.
I just want to thank everyone at Shine for making it possible. If it wasn't for you guys, I wouldn't be able to be where I wanted to be in the future. I am literally over the moon and I can't thank you guys enough. I can't contain my joy."
