DJ Shortman ventures into music production

Although he is of Bajan heritage, DJ Shortman has a passion for different genres of music, especially the music out of Jamaica.

After establishing his label Kush Nights Entertainment, he ventured into music production three years ago. He has worked with several Jamaican entertainers, including rising artiste Elvitcho, Chino, Versi and Qnique.

"I came up with the name Kush Nights in 2013 after reading about Kingdom of Kush; it was a country on the trade route for the Nile and Red Sea. The idea of being the centrepiece of trade to many countries and people motivated me to form what is known as Kush Nights Entertainment," DJ Shortman explained.

His father was a DJ in upstate New York, and that's where his interest in music piqued.

"I followed his path in 1995 as a DJ. Before I began to play music, I learned piano at church and three years later switched to alto saxophone which followed my career as a DJ at age 13," DJ Shortman added. DJ Shortman, whose given name is Kalem Rogers, resides in Rochester, upstate New York.

"My music journey is an experience that could become a movie. I've been around so many artistes from Grammy-winning to Grammy-nominated like Missy Elliott, Beenie Man, Baby Cham, Serani, Stephen McGregor, Shabba Ranks, Mavado, Spragga Benz and many more," he shared.

DJ Shortman, who once worked in radio, said he has been instrumental in the success of several artistes through the years.

"I tried working in radio but didn't like the restrictions of what I could play. There are artistes who I've played and supported before they reached the successful stage. The ability to know a good artiste is not an easy thing," said DJ Shortman.

He recently released two singles, Oh Gosh by Stylo G and Zelle by Elvitcho.