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DJ Smoke’s Togetherness Fête to raise funds for urgent surgery

Fired up about upcoming event

Published:Tuesday | May 10, 2022 | 12:10 AMStephanie Lyew/Gleaner Writer
DJ Smoke admits that he is “scared, anxious and worried” about his impending heart procedure, but he has every confidence in the expertise of his medical team.
DJ Smoke admits that he is “scared, anxious and worried” about his impending heart procedure, but he has every confidence in the expertise of his medical team.
DJ Smoke urgently needs an angioplasty procedure.
DJ Smoke urgently needs an angioplasty procedure.
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Local master of the turntables Ryan Williams, more popularly known as DJ Smoke, has called for the entertainment sector to join hands and hearts in aid of raising funds for an urgently needed angioplasty procedure. DJ Smoke first noticed he was having abnormal breathing a couple years ago “with the slightest amount of exertion,” but when he consulted a doctor, he prescribed blood pressure medication and informed the disc jockey to adopt a healthier lifestyle.

“I thought it was just age and not being in as good a shape. I started exercising and eating better and was feeling good, but that only lasted a while,” he shared.

Recently, he has experienced more shortness of breath, accompanied by chest pains, which was even more alarming.

DJ Smoke said, “It really scared me, [so] I went back to the cardiologist, who did an ECG and said I needed to have the angioplasty immediately.”

He explained that he has had no prior procedures and that this serious medical condition and procedure is “a big wake-up call for me,” even though he is aware that heart disease runs in his family.

“I lost three family members to it in the past two years alone, which is why I went to the doctor when I started to feel ‘off’,” said the reserved public figure, adding, “I’m obviously feeling a bunch of emotions; I’m anxious, worried and scared. I have confidence in the capability of my doctor and can only go into this with a positive attitude.”

Mentally, he was prepared to hear the bill, but having just come out of the most challenging period for the entertainment sector, DJ Smoke also knew he would need assistance. He explained that the procedure and recovery will cost $2.5 million, with a 50 per cent deposit due seven business days before.

“I need to get it done yesterday, suh di wait ting is not an option. COVID-19 hit our industry hard, I don’t think we can stop, or will stop, hearing about that. I barely worked over the last two years, [so] the money is not there. I’m just thankful and blessed that we have reopened and I can actually do something,” he said. “I didn’t want to just beg money. I want to do my part. I’m so grateful for all my people, who are coming together to make this happen so quickly.”

With quick thinking, the disc jockey and his close circle started the brainstorming and decided to recreate their weekly get-together, known widely as ‘Soca By Di Tree’, but to deliver on a larger scale with the same intimate atmosphere. Soca By Di Tree is the brainchild of DJ Smoke and since its inception in 2017, he has hosted five successful soca parties.

“The whole ‘Di Tree’ concept was formed because of a close group of friends who consistently lymed under a tree,” he reminisced.

For the first iteration, dubbed ‘Soca By Di Tree Helping Heart Togetherness Fête’ he is aiming to execute a slightly scaled-down version of the event, but it will be food- inclusive, with a cash bar.

He revealed also that the procedure is scheduled for May 19, that is a mere five days after the event is scheduled, so contributions are also welcome. The donations can also be made on the ticket website, Touchstone Ticketing, for those who cannot make it to the event. It will be held at a new, 26,000-square-foot mixed-use venue located at 8 Stanton Terrace called the La Vida by Pollyanna Caterers. Start time is 7 p.m.

“We are still working out the menu, but I know we will be currying up a local goat, and will also have chicken and sides from Pollyanna’s chef. The bar will be stocked with the usual favourites. As far as music is concerned, expect mixed genres – soca, dancehall, hip-hop and old school. Since we are doing this on the fly, everything is coming together day by day, so I will be using my Instagram page to keep people up to date. But rest assured, this will be a great event. Thank you to all who are supporting me. I appreciate you,” DJ Smoke said.

stephanie.lyew@gleanerjm.com