You may’t say hip hop artist Casper Marcus isn’t loyal, particularly in relation to the town the place he lives.
“London and music saved my life,” declared Marcus, who launched his hip hop profession right here, rapping from the age of 12. Now a longtime, award-winning artist, he commonly performs in Toronto and has toured Europe and Canada.
Monday, Marcus will carry out for the London Arts Council’s London Arts Reside On-line in partnership with The London Free Press, an initiative aimed toward giving the town’s artists an opportunity to earn a bit of money and preserve involved with their followers by way of dwell broadcasts on the council’s Fb web page whereas venues are closed because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Performers Monday embody long-time London theatre director, playwright and dramaturge Jim Schaefer at 1 p.m., singer-songwriter Matt Martin at 2 p.m., fantastic artist Zane Pate at 7 p.m. and Marcus at eight p.m.
“I feel it’s nice for the artists to maintain their followers engaged and allow them to know that life will go on and that we’ll all get out of this factor,” mentioned Marcus, 32, who’s “staying secure” if solely to make sure his younger daughters, ages three and 9, are secure from the pandemic.
Marcus, who will carry out with Younger Prince Beats, was born in Toronto and raised by his father till the age of six when he moved to Nova Scotia to dwell together with his mom, who died when he was 12. He then was adopted by his uncle, Murray McDonald, of Ilderton.
Marcus was 12 the primary time he rapped for an viewers at Western College and attended Medway secondary faculty earlier than launching his profession as knowledgeable artist.
He’s been working full-time in music for eight years, which isn’t shocking given the lengthy listing of awards he’s received in London, together with 4 Scene Journal awards and 7 Forest Metropolis London Music Awards, not together with the nomination he obtained this 12 months which received’t be introduced till the autumn.
His success has led to the institution of a rap camp that attracts college students to London from world wide. He’s additionally common at native colleges, the place he’s a motivational speaker.
Marcus was the primary London artist to carry out on the principle stage at Rock The Park in Harris Park, sharing the stage with American rapper Wiz Khalifa.
“I’m impressed by all my life experiences and it’s at all times conveyed in my music,” mentioned Marcus.
“I rap concerning the issues that occur to me, but in addition the inspiration I’ll get from nice films and books and even comedian books. I’m a comic book ebook nerd.”
Marcus attributes his years performing in London as laying the inspiration for him to carry out on main phases, particularly on the Toronto scene the place he has turn out to be a well-liked artist.
“London allowed be to fail and to succeed,” mentioned Marcus. “If not for London’s music scene, I’d by no means have been in a position to do the issues I’ve performed.”
Twitter.com/JoeBatLFPress
Author: ” — www.sherwoodparknews.com “

