–to also take up teaching math

By Telesha Vidya Ramnarine
ALTHOUGH numerous arrangements must be put in place to pull off one of his parties or local cricket matches, he often resorts to organising most of the details himself.

Of course, delegation is necessary in some instances, but DJ Stress wants things done in a certain way and according to a particular timeline.

Maybe this explains why he has often been told that he is always a step ahead in the entertainment industry, and why fans and party goers often meet him to let him know how much they enjoyed his events.

But it is not only those with positive comments who draw Stress’ attention; he prefers to listen to the man with complaints so that he can better organize his event the next time.

“You must be close to your fans. If they have a complaint, listen. Many people come and say they had a great time, but the persons who have something negative to say, I listen more. People need to listen to their patrons and not feel they are above them,” the television host/events entertainer told Chronicle Pepperpot.

The talented Paul Adrian Hunter Sanjeev Bonar, well known as DJ Stress, during his interview at the Chronicle, disclosed how he will be celebrating the 14th anniversary of his 30 birthday this year, as he puts it.

DJ Stress spent some of his childhood years in a number of villages in Linden and he believes that his experiences there are responsible to a large degree for the person he has turned out to be.
For instance, he said it was not until later in his life that he realized there was something called race among people. As a boy, he spent his time playing football on the fields and often eating from the pot of the Rastafarians who hung out together.
The only contribution he could recall making to the pot was some salt he stole from his kitchen at home, only to be scolded by the Rastafarians who used no salt in their cooking.

DJ Stress returned to live in McDoom, East Bank Demerara, and he attended Winfer Gardens Primary before pressing on to the prestigious Queen’s College. He later attended the Government Technical Institute (GTI) where he secured a diploma in mechanical and electrical engineering.

In an effort to pursue his career in mechanical engineering, DJ Stress enrolled at the University of Guyana. Things, however, changed when he became heavily involved with rock music at age 19. “I wanted to be a rock guitarist. I went to UG to further my career…but I found out that’s not what I really wanted. I really had a passion for music. I was obsessed so I dropped out.”
At this point, he formed ‘From Pearls to Swine,’ a rock band. After this one went out of existence, he next formed ‘Tech 21’ which became popular. He will always be grateful to the owners of Sidewalk Café who embraced music and showed their support by allowing the band to perform there for free.

“I fell in love with music when I was given an album called ‘Love at first sting’ by Scorpions by a good friend in Queens College. After that I fell in love with rock. People think that you should grow out of rock, but rock music is the biggest money making music in the world and I would love Guyana to be more accepting to rock music. Rock can actually pay you,” DJ Stress expressed.

In organising his events, DJ Stress said it is not always as easy as it looks. Many arrangements have to be put in place in order to ensure a smooth running show, including inter alia, providing security through the police, scanning people for firearms, providing parking space and vehicle security, having floodlights in place, DJs, cleaners, special lighting effects, and a temporary medical outpost. “I do all of the organization and then I delegate to others. Sometimes I prefer to do everything on my own,” he said.

Asked how and why he came up with the alias DJ Stress, he explained: “Back in the days of Pearls to Swine, a girl called me stress puppy because we rehearsed every day and couldn’t get free time to hang out with her. That name I placed on my bass guitar. When I started pairs, I wanted a name but DJ Paul would be cliche and timid; DJ Stress, although funny, would be memorable with Yahoo. com. And it has worked memorably for haters and fans.”

DJ Stress said he is a movie fanatic. “I am a fan of great directors and a huge fan of TV Series House MD and Law and Order. It would be great to see Steven Spielberg direct a Bollywood movie with Shahrukh and Kajol.”

DJ Stress believes that unlike many people who think he is unapproachable, he is very down-to-earth and open-minded. One of his dreams was to engage in sky diving and he did so some two years ago. Together with a professional sky diver, he jumped out of an aircraft 14,000 feet up.

FAMILY-ORIENTED
“People would believe that DJ Stress is at every event, partying at every corner; at any drinking spree you’ll find me. Well who know me will find it’s hard to get me to get there. I’m someone who’s at home a lot and I’m very close to my daughters. Very family- oriented.”
He credits his parents Andrew and Rohini for molding him into the individual he has become today. “My dad is like a big brother, a father, the person who scolds you, the mentor; he is one person I admire so much… I have two sisters, Christina and Miriam.”
DJ Stress, whose parents sent him to music lessons as a child, believes that more parents and the government should place an increased emphasis on entertainment and music for children. “This is my firm belief. All of the developed countries have a huge input into music. These things help educate the brain. Every developed country holds on to their music and entertainment. Music and entertainment is actually a huge part of one’s character. By not allowing them (children) to be opened to music, it is robbing them.”

MATHEMATICS
DJ Stress has found that one of his gifts has to do with his love for Mathematics, and so he is hoping to soon get into teaching it. In fact, he received a trophy for ‘Best Maths Student’ at the University of Guyana a few years ago.
“Opening a Maths institution is my main goal. I want to teach Maths under my own wing. It will happen,” he posited. He doesn’t plan on giving up on the entertainment industry though. “Music is part of my DNA.”

Regarding his personal philosophies, he said: “Be honest as possible. Do not, regardless of what, get into anything illegal. It’s not worth it. It’s easy to try and get money but it’s not worth it in the long run. And if you are poor and uneducated, make sure you try your best to get an education for your kids. It’s the only way out that has worked.”
DJ Stress plans to soon marry his girlfriend Pamela and he has three daughters Amy, Alanis, and Anna.