Reggae In The Fields
Saturday March 7th, 2026 with Junior Smith
Celebrating International Women's Day with Produced by Youth DJ Collective, Ottawa, Canada

Celebrating International Women's Day with Produced by Youth DJ Collective, Ottawa, Canada Background on Produced By Youth: Produced By Youth (PBY) is a Black‑led not-for-profit organization in Ottawa that creates safe(r), brave(r) spaces for Black youth to connect, create, and build skills through mentorship and music workshops. PBY’s journey started when Lealem (PBY Co-Founder) met Tafari (PBY Co-Founder and CEO) at his affordable recording studio “Swoon Studios” in 2018. They both connected over their shared goals and passion supporting BIPOC emerging artists with their artistic goals. From there they connected with Lealem’s childhood friend, Samuel (PBY Co-Founder), and together cultivated the idea for a multi-year program titled “Produced By Youth”. What started as a 3-year music production workshop operating out of Club SAW (concert venue), evolved into a fully independent recording studio and creative space, with workshops including other topics like songwriting, artist branding, and audio engineering. Two PBY program alumni, Jayel and Secora, are now part of the core team building and delivering workshops and mentoring other participants. With support from community collaborators, PBY has provided access to studio‑level equipment, mentorship, and performance opportunities, helping participants strengthen cultural connections, improve confidence and mental health, and explore pathways into arts‑based careers. Over its funded period, the program served 150+ Black youth. Today’s Featured DJs DJ Maz – Beginner PBY DJ Maz is an Ottawa-based DJ in Produced By Youth’s Beginner cohort, building a reputation for versatile, crowd‑moving sets that bridge African electronic music/afro-infused blends and global club sounds. As part of PBY’s next wave of young Black creatives, Maz uses music to connect community, celebrate Black joy, and create safer spaces for youth in the city. Their sets balance familiar favourites with fresh discoveries, inviting listeners into a welcoming, high‑energy atmosphere. Mona Monet / Mona Monet – Intermediate PBY Mona Monet is an Ottawa DJ and member of Produced by Youth’s Intermediate cohort, known for soulful, bass‑heavy sets that spotlight Black diasporic sounds. A PBY alum featured on showcases like FUBU and community‑driven events, Mona approaches every set with a focus on care, inclusion, and groove. Their goal is to build dance floors where Black youth feel seen, celebrated, and free to move. DJ Rhoze – Advanced PBY RHOZE is an Ottawa-based DJ serving that island flava. Born and raised in Scarborough with Jamaican and Guyanese roots, she grew up surrounded by music and draws inspiration from Jamaica’s legendary sound system culture. Her sets blend soca, dancehall, and R&B with flashes of nostalgic Y2K flair, bringing back that early-2000s club energy that keeps the whole place moving. RHOZE brings pure badness to the dancefloor, keeping crowds grooving and acting just a likkle bit out of order in the best kind of way. Special Kay is an emerging DJ and creative talent connected with Produced by Youth (PBY), a youth-led initiative that mentors young artists in DJ culture, music production, and live performance. Through PBY’s training and collaborative environment, Special Kay has developed a dynamic open format style that blends global sounds and dancefloor energy. Her sets often move fluidly across Afrobeats, Amapiano, Dancehall, and contemporary club music, reflecting the diverse musical influences shaping today’s youth culture. Known for her creative transitions and ability to read a crowd, Special Kay approaches DJing as both an art form and a community experience. As part of the Produced by Youth collective, she represents a new generation of DJs using music to connect audiences and celebrate global rhythm and culture. DJs Musical Influences: Afrobeats • Amapiano • Dancehall • Afro House • Hip-Hop • Global Club Music Reggae in the Fields (www.ckcufm.com). Canada's longest running Reggae program on CKCU FM 93.1. 3:00-5:30 pm Eastern. Since 1976. Listen to the podcast by 6:00 pm https://cod.ckcufm.com/programs/132/74462.html