First Crush
Friday February 21st, 2025 with Zoë Argiropulos-Hunter
Black History Month Special: Guest Mix by DJ Velvet

In the spirit of Black History Month, I wanted to spotlight a powerful Black arts initiative, Crépu: Our DNA, as well as talented Ottawa-based artist, DJ Velvet. Known as Ottawa's first Black hair art show, Crépu: Our DNA is a collaborative project by The Moving Art Gallery and Hors Pair Social. Having celebrated its third anniversary earlier this month, Crépu: Our DNA can now be experienced after its main event with a special extended show. Crépu: Our DNA Extended features unseen artworks and a film screening by 11 Black artists exhibited across four different local galleries and an artist-run centres. Programming is now on at SAW Gallery, SPAO, the Carleton University Art Gallery and the Digital Arts Resource Centre Mircrocinema until May 11th, 2025. To learn more about Crépu: Our DNA, visit The Moving Art Gallery website (https://themagworld.ca) and Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/crepuourdna). DJ Velvet was one of the many artists involved in this year's main event of Crépu: Our DNA, and today she has prepared a very special broadcast of First Crush! Tune in for selections from this trailblazing DJ from Ottawa's own music circuit. About DJ Velvet: Canadian-born Velvet has quickly established herself as one of the most sought-after international DJs in the Nation’s Capital. Her creativity stems from her Haitian Caribbean background, which has shaped her ability to blend sounds and genres, from Hip Hop and RnB to Afro-Beat, Amapiano, house music and beyond. She has spun on Canadian stages such as Riverfest Elora, RBC Bluesfest, and Cranium Festival and embarked on a US festival tour with JUNO award-winning rapper Charmaine, spinning at SXSW (Austin) and New Colossus (NYC). Velvet’s strides have not gone unnoticed, as she was the winner of DJ of The Year at the inaugural Recognize Awards by Cranium Arts Project. Her ability to maneuver between different genres combined with her fiery personality provides her audience with an unforgettable experience. Follow DJ Velvet: https://www.instagram.com/dj.velvet/