Roots and culture

Since opening in early September, Fragments of Epic Memory has been providing AGO visitors with a window into the cultural richness and powerful complexity of the Caribbean. To accompany the exhibition’s 200 historical photographs and multiple other works by modern and contemporary Caribbean artists, each weekend for the remainder of November the AGO will celebrate Caribbean music with Sonic Saturdays in Walker Court. 

This free event features local DJs who specialize in Caribbean music, sharing their craft between 1 and 3 pm on Saturday afternoons, live from Walker Court. We connected with Toronto-based DJ and representative of Heart Music Entertainment, Kevin Hood – who will be spinning for Sonic Saturdays on November 13 and 20 – to discuss his rise as a DJ, and his perspectives on the impact and importance of Caribbean music. 

AGOinsider: How did you get your start DJing, and what do you love most about the art form? 

Hood: It all started when I was in university; during my down time, I would listen to and collect music. By the time I finished school, I had a huge collection of music.  One day I had the idea to start DJing because my circle of friends didn't have a DJ in the crew.  Almost 20 years later we are still doing it. 

AGOinsider: Music from the Caribbean comes in so many different forms. What is your favourite genre of Caribbean music and why? 

Hood: This is a difficult question, as I love so many different forms of music, but what started it all was roots reggae. I always say Sizzla Kalonji is the reason I'm a DJ.  We would listen to Sizzla for hours on hours and dissect his lyrics. Reggae music has also taught me so many things about myself and the history of African people. I wouldn't have known the greats like Marcus Garvey and Malcolm X, if it wasn't for roots reggae music.

AGOinsider: Caribbean music/culture has always had a significant influence on pop culture globally. Why do you think this influence has been so strong?   

Hood: For one, reggae is real life, and it's political.  Back in the day, the music was the news, the original Facebook post.  Songs let the masses know what's going on, and how the artist feels about anything that's going on in life.  Secondly the music is part of our culture, what would life be without music?  So, when you see Caribbean people singing and dancing to their music, it's spiritual, it's more than just music. For me it takes me to another place within myself.... it's just beautiful.

AGOinsider: Tell us more about Heart Music Entertainment? 

Hood: Heart Music Entertainment are the #1 Wedding DJs in the GTA.  We specialize in weddings where there's a wide range of age groups.  We have a lot of experience in getting and keeping everyone involved. From eight to 88 years of age. We've played across Canada, USA, the Caribbean and in Europe.  We love to interact with people through music. 

Don’t miss Kevin Hood performing live alongside Richard Wright for the AGO’s Sonic Saturdays, happening November 13 and 20 from 1 to 3 pm in Walker Court.