BWM
Black Wealth Magazine
While it is true that the impact of the global pandemic can be felt in the corporate society, the entertainment industry worldwide has suffered a severe blow. At one point, […]
While it is true that the impact of the global pandemic can be felt in the corporate society, the entertainment industry worldwide has suffered a severe blow. At one point, nightlife came to a complete stand still and there was neither a party nor event to attend. No gatherings. No socializing. On the island of Antigua, scores of patrons who had grown accustomed to feting and revelry were left disappointed as this years’ carnival celebrations were cancelled. Pre- covid, both expats and tourists alike visited the island religiously to celebrate its emancipation from slavery. Before the actual week of festivities, multiple fetes and parties are usually held during the season. This is the time when most of the island’s DJ’s and entertainers make their living. One such entertainer, Omari Anthony, aka “Versatile Virus” calls the island his home, and he’s eager to rock the city with his talents once again.
Why Virus?
This was the first question that came to mind. Omari attended the St. Joseph’s Academy during his teen years. This all-boys, privately owned Catholic Diocesan school was founded on the island by The Christian Brothers in 1958, and has produced a few prominent officials on the island like businessman and parliamentarian Max Fernandez and Attorney and former Senator, Lenworth Johnson to name a few. During Omari’s tenure at the school, he excelled in the subject area of Information Technology. It was generally accepted that they all have monikers so with his classmate’s assistance, the moniker ‘virus’ stuck with him into his professional career. He also discovered his love for music while attending the school. He hosted a number of parties and school events with his friends and this further solidified his love for the craft. He officially began Deejaying in 2007 and since then he has been a part of several major events, many of which he was called back to do an encore performance. He highlighted working with Myst carnival, Project Sync and Wardadli Soulja’s as some of his most profound accomplishments.
His love for the artform supersedes all, but this DJ is not all about music. He is also a true sports fan. He once performed as a wicket keeper and prolific batsman for Antigua’s under 13/15/19 cricket team. Within his own community, he played for the Liberta sports club. Outside of the local sporting arena, he avidly follows the NFL and the NBA.
True Love
A love for music will always expose the creativity in someone who is truly passionate about the craft, and Omari has done just that. He loves to incorporate hidden messages which he coins ‘easter eggs’ in his productions. What exactly does this mean? I guess we will just have to find out! As much as he enjoys the art of deejaying, Omari aspires to find ways to integrate his deejaying, vocal talents and production abilities to develop a fully functional career all rolled into one. While we’re on the topic of Love, Omari credits much of the strength needed to endure the rolling tides of the entertainment industry to his loving fiancée and his management team, as well as his avid fans. They love what he does and keep him inspired with constant positivity. You can find this versatile DJ on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. He has also been featured on local radio airwaves and this, coupled with his live performances have aided tremendously in growing his visibility and engagement as an artist. He is confident that the marketing of his skill set would not have been possible without the tremendous support and engagement of Myst carnival, project sync, Sarah McMillan, together dubbed “Team contagious.”
Overcome!
This rising star has encountered his fair share of obstacles in both his personal circles and the industry itself. He cited Nepotism as one of the predominant ills in our society that affects him personally. The effects of the covid 19 pandemic have been the most recent struggle that threatens to dim his shine, but this young entertainer will not be discouraged. He has plans that once carried out with precision, we are confident that this DJ will rock the entertainment scene post covid like never before! He took the time to offer his colleagues some serious advice about the industry:
“Even if it seems controversial, take the opportunity for yourself and don’t think that anybody else deserves more that you do, because I made the mistake in thinking that certain persons were more deserving of the opportunities that I had and it resulted in me not performing at a level that I knew I could have done even better”.
What’s Up Next?
Team Contagious and Young Luiy entertainment are the parent bodies under which Versatile Virus performs. Together, they’ve got a few treats in store for the entertainment world, as they’ve been working on a few live streamed events to bring the ‘noise’ back to the city. If you like to party and you need some relief from all the happenings around us, we have one suggestion. Don’t take your eyes off this DJ!
Follow him Now on SoundCloud and Audiomack for his daily mixes.
I am an entrepreneur. My main interest is to garner my people together both financially, mentally, spiritually so that we can all win!
BWM 