Turn your commute into a dance party: DJ O Show is playing live on transit

May 31, 2023

Turn your commute into a dance party: DJ O Show is playing live on transit

May 31, 2023

DJ O Show stands in front of SkyTrain doors — DJ O Show’s medallion is designed by Indigenous artist Ashley Louvre, and jacket is designed by Indigenous artist Ovila Mailhot.

This June, leave enough time during your commute to join in and dance to the tunes of this month’s Art Moves artist-in-residence DJ O Show, which is Orene Askew’s performing name. An award-winning musician from Metro Vancouver, she is playing high-energy playlists, mixing hip-hop, R&B (rock and ballad), and Indigenous music.

Don’t miss out as DJ O Show starts a dance party at various transit locations across the region.

TransLink’s Art Moves program features local and award-winning artists that share their art with our customers while they take transit. This National Indigenous History Month, we’re excited to be joined by DJ O Show, a musician from Sḵwxw̱ú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation).

“Diversity makes beautiful music”

Diversity is in DJ O Show’s DNA and it gives rise to her music.

As an Afro-Indigenous person, DJ O Show grew up in two cultures. She was born and raised in North Vancouver and was brought up in the Squamish Nation community.

“I was beside a drum all my life,” she says.

DJ O Show stands in front of art made by a Squamish Nation artist at Waterfront Station — Jacket designed by Indigenous artist Ovila Mailhot.

One of her fondest childhood memories was taking the bus to Lynn Canyon and hanging out with friends. At 13 years old, she started getting into DJ’ing, producing mixes for her friends, and occasionally freestyle rapping.

Today, DJ O Show plays in stadiums. You might’ve heard her play at a Vancouver Canucks, BC Lions, or Vancouver Whitecaps game! You may have also seen her play at the Vancouver Pride Parade on top of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh float.

The high energy you feel at one of DJ O Show’s performances is one of her driving forces. She loves playing music for people because it makes everyone happy. As she grew her fanbase, the artist in her found another purpose – to advocate for Afro-Indigenous and Two-Spirit communities.

To DJ O Show, it’s important to bring awareness to the fact that there are few Afro-Indigenous artists represented in the music industry. Together with embracing her heritage through her music, she is also an active community member and the B.C. representative for the Assembly of First Nations.

We completely agree with DJ O Show that “Diversity makes beautiful music.”