Defected’s Seamus Haji to join LNADJ in Tanzania!

Introducing Defected’s Seamus Haji to the team!

Seamus will always say that he is, first and foremost, a DJ, with everything else following suit. His journey began at the tender age of 16 when he delved into the realm of hip-hop, soul, funk, and disco, captivating audiences with his impeccable technique and curated selections. Throughout the 80s, he became a sought-after crowd-pleaser, sharing stages with legendary London DJs and Sound Systems such as Norman Jay (Good Times), Bobby & Steve, Mastermind, and Rappattack.

Since the mid-90s, Seamus has been a prolific producer under various aliases, leaving his mark on numerous club classics like Mekkah’s ‘Race Of Survival’, Splice Of Life’s ‘2000 Black’, Big Bang Theory’s ‘God’s Child’, Get This!’s ‘Ya Underwear’, and I-jah’s ‘Love The Way You Move’, among others. His repertoire includes globally recognized dancefloor anthems such as ‘Weekend’ and ‘Take Me Away’, along with his chart-topping hit ‘Last Night A DJ Saved My Life’ and the acclaimed remix of ‘Boogie 2 Nite’ which soared to #2 on the UK National Charts in the 2000s, solidifying his status as an international DJ, producer and record label owner.

To say we’re excited to have Seamus on board is an understatement; outside of the occasional Set for Love in Brighton, where he has played for us, this is the first project he has taken on with LNADJ!

We’re collectively excited about his participation. We know he will have a life-changing experience in Tanzania as he shares his passion for dance music culture with Angels Gate Centre for Boys.

Seamus will work with Colin Dale to represent our Get Equipped initiative. Together, they will fast-track some advanced students, teaching them the fundamentals of creating electronic music and DJing using donated equipment.

We caught up with Seamus to find out more and why he’s bringing Big Love to Tanzania…

What motivated you to volunteer with Last Night A DJ Saved My Life Foundation and participate in this experience?

“I’m honoured to announce my involvement with LNADJ. I’ve known them since first meeting Jonny at BMC 2014; my partner Ellie works with them, too, so I know about all they’ve achieved on their mission and their amazing work. I had a crossover hit with Last Night A DJ Saved My Life many years back, and my family roots lead back to Tanzania, so the stars seem to have aligned.”

 What specific skills or strengths do you believe you bring to the team for this experience?

 “I hope to draw upon my experience as a DJ, Producer, Remixer, A&R man, and someone who’s run their own label for over 20 years!”

 What do you hope to gain personally and professionally from joining us in Tanzania?

 “I believe you have to give back, and what better way to do so than where people will really appreciate the experience, help and support? Music has provided me with a charmed life, and I’d love to share that knowledge purely for my love of giving.”

 Our mission is centred around changing lives and saving lives. How do you see yourself contributing to furthering this mission during the experience?

“If I can inspire one person to make a change in their life now or in the future, that will be good enough for me, but the more merrier, of course. I believe the crowdfunding involved will also be invaluable.”

 Why is our organisation and giving back important to you?

“I’ve never done anything like this, so I feel extremely fortunate to have been chosen. So many people in the music industry (myself included) reap the rewards of hard work and have a very comfortable lifestyle so I think it’s important that we can collectively help others in need and who are not as privileged as ourselves.”

 Do you have a personal connection to our mission, Tanzania or our project, Get Equipped? Can you tell us about it?

 “As I said, my bloodline runs back to Tanzania, so I feel a certain kinship to this project.”

What do you love about us?

 “The charity is run by people who truly love what they do year in and year out, providing aid and saving lives.”

 Can you tell us about one record that changed or saved your life?

“It would be Last Night A DJ Saved My Life. Changed my life in so many ways. From first hearing it when I was a young teenager and then covering it decades later.”

From all of us at LNADJ Big Big Love to Seamus for stepping up to join us on our mission to change lives and save lives, we cannot wait to follow your journey and learn about the impact you have on the young people we support.

If you’d like to learn more about Get Equipped, head here. Please head to his Just Giving page here to support Seamus and help fund this project.

Thank you, and as always, Big Love

Team LNADJ x