Interview: DJ Kazan - Renowned Seattle DJ and our volunteer DJ for Illuminate
DJ Kazan is donating his time to spin for our Illuminate event. That means instead of spending a few hundred dollars on a DJ, we can donate that money to the YMCA. Read about DJ Kazan and how philanthropy is a major piece of his life.
P*Seattle: Tell us a little about yourself and how you got into DJing
DJ Kazan: Originally from India, moved to the US as a teen. My father is a pilot and my family is heavily involved in the Indian Bollywood film industry. So from a young age I was exposed to cultures, music and the arts. I picked up DJing in the early 90s. It seemed like music unified people, and gave them hope. I wanted to give that same feeling to people and produce music. DJing fulfilled that objective.
P*Seattle: Why are you interested in philanthropy? What made you want to volunteer your time for the Illuminate event?
DJ Kazan: Philanthropy taps into the very essence of our humanity. Regardless of religion, race, culture, or nation, doing good for those in need is key to the survival of mankind.
I did the illuminate event for very selfish reasons. I get to do what I love with music and volunteering, and make a difference however minute or large, to help those in need. The “selfish” gratification I get from this is immeasurable.
P*Seattle: How have you been involved in philanthropy in the past?
DJ Kazan: All my life. I have witnessed first hand many atrocities and poverty all around the world. I used my status as an MTV DJ to start one of the first Aids awareness campaigns on public TV in India in the 90s. I was also a teacher for 4 yrs and gave as much as I could to the children that needed me. I’ve been heavily involved on varying levels for different causes. I started one of the first Bone Marrow awareness programs for South Asians in Washington state. Worked with the city of Seattle in establishing an ethnic arts program for kids. Donated my time as a DJ and simply as a citizen to “SWANK”, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and other organizations.
To me ones true worth & value as an individual can be determined by what they do for others.
P*Seattle: What other organizations or causes do you think people should know about?
DJ Kazan: SWANK is a great organization. I would like to see more of an effort in increasing and recruiting people for Bone Marrow programs for minorities. I would also like to see education & implementation of better nutrition for our kids & learning institutions. Any organization that helps children, teens. Even war veterans, people that go through natural disasters. People in nations that don’t have water or food or basic health necessities.
What do you think young professionals can get out of making philanthropy a bigger part of their lives?
DJ Kazan: To each his own. I cannot speak for anyone else.
For some it’s an affirmation of their religious beliefs.
For others balancing a hectic career with the philanthropic events may bring them a certain harmony in life.
Others can afford to do so, monetarily, or emotionally.
Some are simply driven to do this.
Whatever the reasons, the answer will not come from what can THEY “get out” of doing this. Instead their own personal answer will come from what are others in need getting from their actions of doing this.
Philanthropy does not recognize color, race, age, sex, nationality or religion. It only recognizes humans in need ….what each individual gets out of making philanthropy a part of their lives is up to them to discover.
If you’d like to hear DJ Kazan and support the YMCA's foster youth program, join us at our Illuminate fundraiser on April 30th.