I first met Taj 2 years ago at one of his Open Canvas events at AP Cafe. I happened to be in Bushwick one day and went into AP to grab a drink. Israel, a barista there at the time, mentioned a new event series at the space; there happened to be another one a few days later and invited me to come through. By that time I had lived in NY for about a year and had met a bunch of dope people in different places, but hadn’t cultivated a sense of community yet. I bought two tickets to the event and invited my friend Kenisha to come with. There was no hype, we had no idea who the DJs were or who’d be performing - we were just 2 young gals looking for something to do on a hot summer Friday night in Brooklyn.

The vibe there that night was unlike anything I’d witnessed before in NY. It was a space full of beautiful creatives, all coming together to show the best in themselves. I believe among the line up that night was Stonie Blue DJ’ing with a performance by Eli Fola - two extremely talented individuals I will forever support. What I remember observing about Taj that night was how well he was able to work both the stage (hosting) and the room, by genuinely making you feel welcome.

Today marks 2 years since that event that introduced me to Taj and I’m very grateful for that opportunity. Through his podcast, Open Canvas, he’s been able to give myself and so many others a platform to share our stories on where we’ve been, where we are and our creative dreams for the future. The podcast to me is an embodiment of a world without strangers. A community of individuals from all over the world, with stories so different and yet so similar. On many occasions I found solace in listening and realizing/confirming that the creative path isn’t a linear one. What is important is that once you find a dream worth having, you hold on to it despite the ups & downs and let it lead you on a path you may not have even imagined, but somehow takes you exactly where you need to be.

Two words that come to mind when I think of Taj are consistency and community. Over the past 3 years on his weekly podcast, he’s had meaningful conversations with over 140 individuals who’ve gone on to accomplish some really amazing things in the creative community and beyond. His event series brought so many dope people in one room and the energy/connection that was created in that space is something I’ll always carry with me. Like attracts like, and whether Taj is in Rio, Paris or Brooklyn he manages to always bring out the very best in people and share that with his community.

Taj is an avid learner, a world traveler, a great conversationalist, the unofficial mayor of Brooklyn :) But above all, he’s a dope human being and the world needs more of his kind. I’m very honoured to call him my friend and I will support anything he puts his name on. He’s definitely one to know and I look forward to all his future endeavours.

I asked Taj some random questions, check out his answers below:

What's the last book you read?

TA: WORD: An Anthology by A Gathering of the Tribes

What’s the most valuable lesson you learned from playing basketball?

TA: Growing up playing basketball outside, or on organized teams, I realized that the game was just another way to express yourself. When I play from the heart, that’s when I feel the most free during a game. Things just begin to flow. You play with less thinking and more feeling. It gets better when your teammates are sharing that same vibe. Your teammates become your creative collaborators. Playing basketball can feel a lot like playing jazz when you and your teammates are in rhythm. Basketball became a lot more fun when I realized that I could create on the court.

Describe your experience of NY in 3 words

TA: Love, Patience, Devotion.

What’s the last dream you remember?

TA: I remember being in a rainforest.

What impact would you like Open Canvas to have in the creative community?

TA: Big Question :) Thankfully, the “impact” can’t/won’t be measured or quantified in one statement. The spirit of the creative community around the world is beyond language, beyond a system/standard of measurement, beyond outward validation, but is undeniably felt everywhere. If anything, I’m forever grateful for the impact everyone within the Open Canvas Family has on me. Every relationship, experience, and moment on this shared journey is truly special.

Favorite place to eat in NYC?

TA: It’s been fun cooking more recently. Cooking from home would be my answer at the moment :)

What’s one quarantine routine you’ve adopted?

TA: Waking up and reading a good book in the morning.

What song/movie would you say describes your life at the moment?

TA: Pharoah Sanders - The Creator Has A Master Plan

Describe your perfect day

TA: A day with music.

What’s your go-to self care practice?

TA: Drinking water.

What’s your advice to the millennial generation?

TA: No advice from me. The advice/guidance we seek is within each of us, waiting to be realized.

Photo credit: Juliana Ricci (Rio de Janiero, Brasil)

Ai-Creo