We caught up with Kamelia to talk about her new role, her mission to build hope through music, and what it means to be part of a movement that’s turning dance music into direct impact.
Read the full interview below.
What inspired you to become a trustee for Last Night A DJ Saved My Life?
“My Get Equipped trip to Tanzania really affirmed the real and direct impact LNADJ is having with its initiatives. When you can see, first hand, the smiles and satisfaction on the children’s faces of having support from LNADJ volunteers, and how productive the learning and development is for these children, that was all I needed to know, that this was a charity I wanted to further support and get deeply involved in.”
How does our mission—building hope for children and young people through music—resonate with you personally?
“Music has got me through many tough times in my life as I’m sure it has many of us. Whether it’s what your listening to when you’re going through
shitor those times on the dance floor with your friends letting go of those negative feelings. The unbridled euphoria and energy of a dance floor can 100% be harnessed for the greater good and where better to direct that energy than to those who need it most. The children and young people LNADJ is helping support, deserve aspirations and hope. They are literally the future and if a few of us coming together through a love of music can make that happen then why wouldn’t you want to do that!”
Can you share a moment in your life where music made a real difference for you or someone you know?
“As a child I was alone a fair amount and so music was my solace from a young age and it allowed me to dance and express emotions that back then I wouldn’t necessarily of understood entirely, but I used to dance for hours in my bedroom, it helped to get me through the hard times. I then went to dance school and again it gave me even more freedom and security by giving me a family of others who were like me, where things weren’t great at home, but we had this sanctuary we all shared, and another family who were there for us. Music and dance became our lives and our home.”
What excites you most about being part of Last Night A DJ The first Saved My Life?
“Honestly being on the ground with the children and imparting whatever knowledge or support I can to them. I want to feel and see the impact of what we are doing. Also getting the opportunity to trek and raise more money for the charity, as I have been doing this for decades and I hope I can help other volunteers.”
Why do you believe music and creativity are such powerful tools for change?
“All creative art forms in my eyes are tools for change because they speak from the heart to the heart. How can you make an impact or create change without reaching the hearts of others, and all creative outlets can achieve that. Music is created from the soul and speaks to the soul that’s why the impact is so strong with music.”
Which of our initiatives, such as Get Equipped, Have a Drink on Us, Smiles for Life, or Street to Street, speaks to you the most and why?
“They all do in different ways. Get equipped obviously because of my love of music and how its changed my life personally. The Philippines has a close place in my heart because I have a sponsored child there and know how hard it is to get good medical care. But also one of my sons best friends has a cleft lip so I have seen first hand how the operation changes everything for children with this condition. Street to Street I relate to so well as art was a form of expression for me at school too, I have an art background and my previous career was design so I understand how expressing yourself through art can help process emotions. Have a drink on us, well doesn’t every being deserve clean fresh water to drink. So they are all equally important to me.”
Why do you think it’s important for the music industry to give back in meaningful ways?
“Sharing music is all about giving back, its what we do in every song we play so isn’t it only a natural step up to use the platform of sharing that music to raise awareness and money to give back to an even wider audience?”
What impact do you hope to make in your role as a trustee?
“I hope that I my experience and knowledge in charity work and music, can help the organisation grow. That I can give the right support to the team that’s needed to achieve our goals in building brighter futures for these children, in all our initiatives.”
Finally, can you name one record that changed or saved your life—and what it means to you?
“One record is too hard from as there are a few throughout my life that have helped me keep going but in recent years there is one song that keeps me positive and moving forwards, because life is to short and wonderful not to get through the hard times and come out the other side shining. George Benson, Nuyorican Soul, You Can Do it.”
A massive thank you to Kamelia from all of us at LNADJ for stepping into the role of trustee with such passion and purpose. Staying true to the cause and her commitment to LNADJ and all we do, this year for her very special birthday Kamelia is asking for people to donate to the build of a fresh water well as part of our Have a Drink on Us campaign – Legendary Business!!
To get involved and spread Big Love for Kam’s birthday, join us on our mission and head here!
Thank you, and as always, Big Love
Team LNADJ x
