Entertainment

How DJ Xclusive City Built Up His Brand

Published

4 years ago

November 24, 2020

DJ Xclusive City is a fearless mixer on the DJ decks, a feat that has differentiated him from many and won him recognition and several awards.

If you’re an avid follower of the Central Florida area music scene, chances are you’ve heard the name DJ Xclusive City. The Orlando-based DJ is known for his regular spot on iHeartRadio and 104.5 The Beat’s “12 O’ Clock Lunch Mix” and “Sunday VIBEZ” shows, his residency at celebrity clubs like The Beacham, One80 Skytop Lounge and Mango’s Tropical Cafe and his spot on the elite DJ crew the Da Union. He’s also the go-to DJ for parties of celebrities and has worked with artists like A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie, Dababy, Megan Thee Stallion, Cardi B, Tory Lanez, Migos, Davido, Afro B and Maluma.

Like any successful artist, his passion for music started at an early age. “I was just more focused on music than school,” he said. At the age of 12, he started creating custom mixtapes for his classmates, using a CD burner and old hip-hop albums he would borrow from his father and his uncles as well. By the time he reached high school, he had made a name for himself selling his mixtape CDs around his neighborhood barber shops. He was soon noticed by a club promoter called who encouraged him to DJ at teen and college parties.

By the time he reached his mid 20s, he was offered a position on 104.5 The Beat and iHeartRadio to join “Let’s Talk!” with Viva La Koi inside the “12 O’ Clock Lunch Mix” weekdays, “SWTB Live from The Beacham” with DJ D-Strong every Saturday and “Sunday VIBEZ” every Sunday. This meant giving up his residency gig at a local barbershop, which was a huge financial risk for Xclusive City as it was his main source of income. A few years later it has proven to be a risk that paid off, as today he is one of the station’s most recognizable new names.

After a few years of building up his name and audience, DJ Xclusive City decided to enter into the Orlando club scene. This was no easy task, and took a lot of self-promotion. “I would go out to all the clubs even if I wasn’t booked,” he said. He’d hand out his mixtapes, which he likens to an electronic resume, to the club security guards and front desk managers to prove what he could do. Soon he had built up a good reputation among the Orlando club scene, and was asked to DJ at renown club One80 Skytop Lounge. Years later he is still working at exclusive celebrity clubs, opening for other established artists and continuing to network, which he claims is one of the most important ingredients for success. “There are a lot of celebrities and people that I’ve built a relationship with just because they kept seeing me at the same club every time they went,” he said.

But perhaps one of the most significant things about DJ Xclusive City is his versatility. “DJing is more than just playing music. You have to really show what else can you bring to the table, especially in 2020,” he said. He started hosting celebrity dinners and quickly made a name for himself in the hospitality lane. “Things like that helped separate me from other DJs,” he said. His ability to switch between multiple lanes and excel in each one is why DJ Xclusive City is continuing to climb the ranks of the music scene.

If you would like to learn more about DJ Xclusive City, you can bookmark his website, and follow him on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Entertainment

Omar Harfouch’s ‘Concerto for Peace’ to Enchant Paris in an Evening of Musical Unity

Published

2 weeks ago

September 5, 2024

Jonathan Grilli

Photo Credit: Daniel Topic

Byline: Katreen David

It’s no secret that music holds the power to enchant people. Ears hear the melodies and every fiber of the soul feels them, especially when the message behind the musical notes conveys a call for world peace.

“In times of turmoil, music has always been our refuge, where we find solace and the courage to hope. This is what inspired ‘Concerto for Peace,’” reflects Omar Harfouch, the world-renowned pianist and composer who will bring “Concerto for Peace” to the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées in Paris, France.

When he isn’t busy producing classical melodies with every keystroke of his piano, Harfouch can be found redefining what it means to blend art and activism. His upcoming “Concerto for Peace,” set to premiere on September 18, 2024, promises to be more than just a concert—it’s an evocative call to unity, a symphonic plea for a world yearning to heal.

Just 48 hours after enchanting Paris with the concerto, Omar Harfouch will take the stage at the United Nations in Geneva to deliver the “Concerto for Peace” once more. This remarkable performance is set to be a highlight of the World Music Conference, coinciding with the global observance of World Peace Day on September 20.

A Symphony as a Statement

Omar Harfouch is no stranger to the power of music as a transformative force. With a career that’s as much about melodic innovation as it is about social impact, Harfouch’s latest work, “Concerto for Peace,” encapsulates his belief that music can be both recreational and revolutionary. As 2024 sees the rise of art with a cause, Harfouch’s concert stands out for its musical mastery and bold message.

“This isn’t just about notes on a page,” Harfouch explains. “It’s about creating a space where every listener, regardless of background, can feel part of something larger—a movement toward peace, one note at a time.”

In a world where philanthropy is increasingly woven into the heart of the arts, Omar Harfouch’s “Concerto for Peace” reflects a growing trend where music serves as a catalyst for change. The performance, featuring the Béziers Méditerranée Symphony Orchestra under the skilled direction of Mathieu Bonnin, is set to be a defining moment in this movement.

The Pulse of 2024: Music with Purpose

As we navigate the complexities of 2024, the intersection of art and advocacy has never been more pronounced. The global music industry is seeing an unprecedented convergence with philanthropic efforts. Artists are not just creating for the sake of creation; they are crafting experiences that resonate with the world’s most pressing issues.

Omar Harfouch stands on the frontlines of this shift. “Concerto for Peace” is emblematic of a broader movement where art becomes a form of protest, a medium for messages that words alone can’t convey.

“Music has this incredible ability to reach where words often fail,” Harfouch reflects. “In every melody, there’s a story. In every crescendo, a call to action.”

An Artistic Tribute to Roots and Responsibility

The story behind one of Harfouch’s most famous compositions is a tale from his childhood. This is primarily why the upcoming Paris performance is also deeply personal for Harfouch. Among the pieces featured is “Tripoli,” a composition that serves as a musical homage to his birthplace.

With its intricate blend of cultural motifs and personal history, this piece adds a profound layer of authenticity to the concert. To that effect, it becomes an artistic expression fueled by his personal journey.

“Tripoli is more than just a city to me—it’s a symbol of resilience, of the beauty that can emerge from hardship,” says Harfouch. “Through this piece, I’m sharing a part of myself, my history, and my hope for the future.”

Another key highlight is “Save One Life, You Save Humanity,” a composition that spotlights Harfouch’s belief in the power of individual action. In a world where small acts of kindness can ripple into broader societal change, this piece serves as both a reminder and an inspiration.

A Crescendo of Hope

As the “Concerto for Peace” prepares to echo through the streets of Paris, Omar Harfouch is reflective yet resolute. “We live in a world that’s constantly changing, constantly challenging us,” he says. “But in music, we find a constant—a reminder that beauty, harmony, and peace are always within our reach if only we’re brave enough to listen.”

For Harfouch, this concert is the culmination of months of work and proof of the enduring power of art to reflect the world, comfort the world, and change the world.

The “Concerto for Peace” is bound to leave behind a lasting impact—a reminder that, in the grand symphony of life, every voice matters, and every note counts.