THE PERSON BEHIND THE MIC
Meet Zubazz.
Zubazz started doing sound and lights in Grade 8 at Robert Usher Collegiate.
He has been DJing since he was 14 and hosting karaoke for 26 years. A self-taught DJ, he learned much of his audio work hands-on and has valued good mentors along the way.
He grew up in a musical family, with his father, Wally Read of Wally Read & The Goldtones, part of that musical heritage.
That lifelong love of live entertainment still drives his karaoke nights, DJ sets and the support he gives new performers. As Zubazz puts it: “I live for it.”
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THE ENCOURAGEMENT THAT STAYED WITH HIM
The moment that changed Zubazz’s life.
Around Grade 9, music teacher Jean MacLean pulled Zubazz aside in the hallway. She saw his talent and insisted he take part in the school's music groups, including choral singing and vocal jazz.
He threw himself into musicals, singing, acting and directing plays, as well as sound, lighting and stage management—on stage and behind the scenes.
He remembers it as a moment that gave him purpose and helped set the course for everything he does today. He credits that encouragement with helping him find his purpose, and says he wouldn't be doing this work today without that hallway conversation. He thanks her at every opportunity.
BEHIND THE TAGLINE
A love of listening.
When Zubazz was young, his father sat him down to listen to the music he loved—whether Zubazz wanted to hear it or not. Those listening sessions became an exercise in music appreciation: sometimes it takes a few listens for a song to click.
They also taught him that music is subjective. What feels like real music or a great performance to one person can be different for someone else. That lesson lives in the playful spirit of his brand line:
If It’s Not Zubazz Karaoke… It’s Not REAL Karaoke!
For Zubazz, karaoke is about participating, building confidence and enjoying the music, not ranking singers. He doesn't judge karaoke singing contests. When prizes are part of an event, he prefers participation-based draws rather than choosing a “best” singer.
THE PURPOSE
Make positive memories that last and help new performers shine.
A CREATIVE CREDO