Popular entertainer speaks on activism, give attention to mental health and being a “regular guy”
NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Jasper Thomas, a 20-year-old Bahamian DJ more famously generally known as “DJ Ovadose”, has cultivated a large following through his love for music and youth empowerment.
But in an interview with Eyewitness News, Thomas shared a unique side of himself that exposed his desire to be greater than an entertainer but a positive influence on youth.
Thomas hosted the Progressive Liberal Party’s (PLP) Youth Town Hall on February 17, 2021.
“Being asked to host such a special and essential town hall discussion was truly an honor,” he said.
“It allowed not only me, but other young people the chance to listen to from one in all the party’s leaders who [is] vying to represent our beautiful country.”
Thomas added: “As I said before, youth development is one in all the things on my agenda and the opposite is mental health.
“The explanation each of those issues make up my platform is straightforward: having a sound mind means that you can make smart and informed decisions.
“But for those affected by mental illness, we’ve got to appreciate that it’s a disease.
“Those people who find themselves coping with that, additionally they have value and mustn’t be shunned.”
Thomas has used his platform more to vocalize the importance of youth development and mental health awareness in The Bahamas. As someone who works within the entertainment industry while balancing his own life, he believes mental health is the muse of every part.
He credits the support of his parents with allowing him to realize that balance between his profession and his personal life.
The DJ said his love for music and growth in his profession weren’t constructed solely by him but through the amplifying support of his parents, who nurtured his talent at a young age.
He added that his father being within the marketing field aids in the way in which he conducts his own business by staying abreast of what’s happening amongst youth and being socially aware.
“Irrespective of what interests a baby has, if those talents are neglected and never given a likelihood to grow, then I feel something wonderful would have ultimately been missed,” he expressed.
“I thank God every single day for his favor allowing me to have progressive-thinking parents.”
Thomas said he plans to proceed investing in his profession. He recently moved to Miami and believes it’s a risk he needed to take to achieve the subsequent level in constructing his platform.
Asked what advice he would give to young entrepreneurs and creatives struggling to search out opportunities in The Bahamas, Thomas said it’s imperative to be aggressive about achieving your goals and having the discipline to stay focused.
“Having a positive outlook on all situations, and really envisioning success, then insert yourself in that picture,” he said.
“Remember, irrespective of which profession path one may select, I all the time encourage them to be skilled about it. And be who you say they’re.”
The young entertainer said he’s identical to everyone else, and that his success within the entertainment industry doesn’t make him higher than others.
Asked what he would want others to learn about him, Thomas revealed his persona as Dj Ovadose is different from who he actually is. He accentuated a side of himself that was down-to-earth, from having fun with playing video games to playing basketball with friends and watching Netflix.
“A variety of individuals who watch me on social media and are available to my events assume that I’m all the time this ‘turnt’-up individual. But I’m identical to every other 20-something [year old],” he said.
Written by Eyewitness News Intern Jade Russell
