It all began in 1983, when at the age of 9 Kemo fell in love with Hip Hop culture while watching his older brother breakdance and create graffiti art. He picked up dancing & b-boying at 10, then discovered the art of DJ-ing through Hip Hop videos & buying vinyl records at the age of 16. Soon after, Kemo had a burning desire to learn how those Hip Hop records were made.
In the summer of 1989 with a turntable and a 4-track cassette recorder, Kemo began honing his craft of music production. One year later, he met and became good friends with young aspiring rap artist Red-1. In 1991, Kemo along with Red-1, Sol Guy, MisFit, Zebroc, and Dedos formed the group Ragga Muffin Rascalz (later named Rascalz). With BMG Canada/Vik Recordings, Rascalz released three successful & classic Canadian hip hop albums – raising Kemo’s profile in the music industry as a prominent DJ and music producer.
Kemo is a well-respected DJ in his scene, spinning music from all Latin genres, hip hop, funk, soul, reggae, top 40, and more. Because his musical influences cross all genres, he is is able to entertain a crowd of any size. His DJ-ing has taken him to venues across Canada and the USA, throughout South America from Chili to Colombia, Mexico, Europe, and also Africa.
Kemo has not only become a recognized figure in Vancouver’s scene but also in the Canadian & US music industry. He has won numerous JUNOS, SOCAN, ASCAP, and MUCH MUSIC awards in the past three decades. These accomplishments have only pushed him to develop as a producer and artist. DJ Kemo is recognized mostly for his work with the Rascalz on the songs “Top Of The World” and “Northern Touch” but he has also produced hits such as the worldwide billboard smash “DANGEROUS” by Kardinal Offishall & Akon. His work also includes various productions for other prominent Canadian and US artists such as Swollen Members, K-OS, SNOW, Pitbull, Fito Blanko & Tanika Charles.
His resume also includes supplying soundscapes for TV shows, Movies, Video Games & Commercials.
Kemo has accomplished much with his thirty plus years in the music business and enthusiastically looks forward to a bright future ahead. Along with his newly formed production group “Vanguards” his goal is to continue to make music both for himself and artists that he enjoys working with.