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Champaine |
SISTA CYPHA Presents: Wisdom Train:
Taken from The Forth Coming Book, Sacred Seeds by Tachelle "Shamash" Wilkes
What do you do when crisis knocks at your door? Do you run, hide or face it head on? Crisis has many faces - financial problems, relationship issues, addiction or even hopelessness. Take a train ride with us, as Champaine, a DJ who is known to heal hearts on
The Players:
Champaine: DJ, 107.5
Tachelle Shamash Wilkes: Poet, Journalist & Teacher
Tachelle: What are three words that best describe who you are?
Champaine: I think three words to best describe me are - blessed. Spiritual and funny. I am truly blessed to be here and grateful for each day I'm outgoing and love to meet and talk to new people. I believe we all learn from each other. As far as being funny - well I'm often told I'm hilarious and I make people laugh (sometimes I wonder if they are laughing with me or at me…only joking) They tell me I missed my calling as a comedian. I guess it comes natural to me because it's a part of my personality. I love to laugh, so I guess it's kinda nice to know that others find you amusing and that you bring them some kind of joy through laughter.
Tachelle: Who are some of your favorite musical legends?
Champaine: For as long as I can remember I've loved all types of music. I remember growing up - my home was always filled with music. My parents are big fans of Nancy Wilson and Johnny Mathis. I can remember it like yesterday - my two sisters and I helping my mother every Saturday to clean the house while listening and singing to our Barbara Steisand 8 tracks (wow!!!! 8 tracks seem like ancient history). My grandfather also had a love for music which he shared with me. The Ink Spots, Frank Sinatra, Sarah Vaughn and I can go on and on. So listening to the radio was always my favorite pastime and I was fascinated by these people who talk on the radio and play all this great music at the same time. I wanna do that!!! By the time I was in the 7th grade I told my parents that one day I would be on the radio and I started to do my research at the age of 12 on what schooling and qualifications you needed to be a disc jockey - so I guess my passion for radio paid off because here I am at WBLS for 18 blessed years.
Tachelle: In what ways does the music you play touch others?
Champaine: I think the music I play touches people's lives in some way, shape or form, bit more importantly - I think being open in expressing my thoughts, opinions and feelings on all topics or what ever might present itself for the evening, whether it's something I read that I like to share with my audience - something I saw or encountered that day or sharing something as personal as my battle with cancer. I talked about everything from what it was like to be diagnosed.… going through chemotherapy….losing all my hair…courage…strength…faith and how blessed I am to live to tell my story. People often have this image of celebrities in entertainment…television…& radio as "super human"….things like that never happen to them. When you share with others something so personal that they can relate to…something that they may be going through or someone they know then all of a sudden you become human and one of them. I can say something as in-depth as cancer and you never know who's life you will touch and that's when they want to reach out and connect with you. I remember Tachelle, you telling me that you were up working one night listening to me and I spoke on something that touched you and inspired you to interview me for your book. So you never know who will be touched by what you say and that is why I'm always conscious about what I put out there. I've come to know how powerful my mic and request lines are. They are my life line to the world out there. I speak to so many wonderful people on the request line that reach out to talk and half the time it's not music related, I believe there is a bigger reason that I've been blessed to sit behind the mic for 18 years.
Tachelle: How can music heal?
Champaine: Some songs hold a very positive uplifting message, which is a result of a personal experience of the songwriter who sits down…puts pen to paper and shares their emotions. That message in the music can have a profound impact on a person's life …help them open their eyes to new understanding…touch and heal their souls - relating to the same experience that they may be going through. Music can be very comforting in a person's life during a particular time or experience they are dealing with.
Tachelle: What have you learned from obstacles in life?
Champaine: Being diagnosed with Hogkins Lymphoma (cancer of the lymph nodes) was a life changing experience for me. I've come to learn that everything happens for a reason…we learn and grow from each experience and sometimes our darkest hours are our best blessings. You may not see it while you're in it, but as time goes by and the pages of your life turn, it always reveals itself. I've been blessed by the Lord's healing power because that is his plan for me. I guess my work here is not done yet. Each and every day I thank God for his blessing and pray for his continued healing… I ask him to use me as a tool to work "his magic"… I don't know how long I'll be here, but I do know that life is a precious gift…don't take it for granted because tomorrow is promised to no one. Most people spend their whole life running after dollar signs $$$ and material objects… losing sight of life's real treasures. To me life's treasures are not what you could have, but who you have in your life. You could have all the money in the world, but all your money won't buy another minute when it's your time. Life is about loving…sharing…caring and giving to others. This world has become so selfish. People only think about themselves… not caring how they treat or speak to others … disrespecting others and their property… not to mention how easy it is for some people to take another's life, as if it had no meaning. Our every thought … spoken word and action has an effect on others. Life is all about love and treating people the way that you want to be treated… share it and show it to all those who come into your life's path. Live each day as if it was your last. Let the people you love know it while they are still here. There's a saying that I just love… "The past is gone, the future is unknown…. Then we are given now as a gift…that is why it's called "The Present." Live for today and be the best person you can be and help others along the way!!!!
Tachelle: What is the substance of all things hoped for in your life?
Champaine: For those dealing with cancer or any other illness …remember your mind is half the battle…stay positive, it creates strength and courage. Put your faith in God and believe all things are possible. Never give up…put up a fight and plan to win !!! That's what I did…even on my sickest days when I couldn't get my head up off the pillow. When I had enough of always feeling sick and wanted to quit (and you will get those days) I found the courage and strength to say to myself… "And this too shall pass!"
Tachelle: What are some other places that your life's journey has taken you?
Champaine: I've always had a passion for cooking. When I was in high school I took cooking for 4 years and was always intrigued with the idea of becoming a chef. When I was preparing for college it was a toss between broadcasting or the New York Culinary Institute, but my love for radio won out. I believe it's never to late to go back to school and I've been thinking about it for the longest time. The right time presented itself and I jumped at the opportunity. I am enjoying my classes at the French Culinary Institute and plan to continue. For me cooking is a passion…it's an expression of love…it's creative and I find it relaxing. My family and friends are my biggest critics. I guess I'm doing something right because they keep coming back for more. One day I would love to tie my passion for music and cooking together and open a supper club…."Champaine's."
Tachelle: Where would you like to be in the next seven years?
Champaine: That's hard for me to say because I've learned to live for each day and only God knows what's in store for me….but I can say that where ever it may be in 7 Years I hope it's in good health…Amen!.
Tachelle: What are some pearls of wisdom that you would love to give?
Champaine: My pearls of wisdom that I would like to pass down is that life is what you make it. The choices we make in life point its direction…so try to choose wisely because the results will benefit you. The first wise choice you make is higher education. The more you learn…the more you earn!!! Stand tall… believe in yourself…be independent never depend on anyone to do what you can do for yourself! Choose wisely…. Strive to be the best you can be and never settle for anything less than the best for you. Dare to dream…but more importantly…work hard to make those dreams a reality…because only you can make it happen.
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Champaine |