Diego Chiluisa (AKA DJ Atah): “Happiness is important, and I have no regrets… I just think about what I can do, and I do it”
When he was young, Diego saw a documentary about the bilingual nature of Canada and always wanted to visit. When his wife was invited to join a research program at UWO in 2016, they were excited to be in a country that was so vastly different from their homeland of Ecuador. It was not all smooth sailing, as they both had to learn English, get to grips with the weather, survive with a limited income, all while adapting to a life without the support of their Latin community and culture.
“Today I am happy that I can talk in another language,” says Deigo, “more so because I help people in my Latin community, as some of them don't speak English.”
“Today I am happy that I can talk in another language,” says Deigo, “more so because I help people in my Latin community, as some of them don't speak English.”
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Identifying a gap in the Hispanic and Latino music scene in London, Diego teamed up with Casa Latina to create a space for all kinds of Latin music. “Outside of Latin America, the stereotype of music is Salsa, Merengue, mainly tropical rhythms,” says Diego. “But there is also rock and soul and many other genres of Latin music.”
Leveraging his technical skills and his love of Latin music, Diego customizes karaoke files and creates unique content, including synchronization for the popular karaoke evenings at Casa Latina on 150 Dundas Street. His dream is to have a Latin Rock Concert in London, even if it is just one band. He would love for all Londoners to experience the joy of Spanish Rock. The move to Canada to support his wife’s education and career meant that Diego was unable to pursue his further education as they had planned. “I always find a way to do what I need,” says Diego. When he decided to become a Latin Music DJ, he took online courses and learned how to code, creating webpages and audio files. “This way, I covered the gaps in my formal education,” says Diego. Reflecting on his positivity, he says, “Always remember, if you are alive and have life, good things will happen. Happiness is important, and I have no regrets. I just think about what I can do, and I do it.” While he misses the community he left behind in Ecuador, Diego is part of a vibrant Latin community right here in London. In addition, he now has a young son who is being raised in Canada, and as Diego reflects, this is a strong reason for him to remain in London. |
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