Leer en Español, traducido por El Vocero Hispano
Name: Redd “DJ Redd” Marasigan
School/grade: Sixth grade, Highlands Middle School
Passion: Deejaying
Northview — Partially shaded from the hot summer sun, DJ Redd stands in front of his laptop and turntable, flanked by large speakers blasting the peppy notes of “Happy” by Pharrell Williams. In front of him stretches a football field full of students and community volunteers enjoying the games, food and festive atmosphere of a Maranda Park Party.
As the song winds down, DJ Redd works his magic to bring in the next song, this one popular on TikTok — but the version he’s playing has changed a few words.
“I try to play viral songs when I can, but some of them are …” He stops to choose his words carefully. “Questionable. And I know there’s little kids here. Most of the songs that are questionable, I have to play the Kidz Bop version. I know a lot of people don’t like Kidz Bop, but sometimes it’s my only choice.”
With discernment like that, one might think DJ Redd is a seasoned pro with a few decades under his deejaying belt. But no, Redd Marasigan is heading into sixth grade at Highlands Middle School, ready to celebrate his 12th birthday on the first day of school. And he’s been making a name for himself as a DJ in demand around Grand Rapids for several years now.
When and how did deejaying become something you were interested in? This talent runs in the family; Redd says his father, Ace — a community figure who’s played many DJ gigs around the city — couldn’t help himself when Redd was very little:
“When I was 2, my dad was trying to be funny, so he dragged my little hands across the scratching things — the turntables,” Redd recalled. “But around (age) 6 is when I really started to want to get it going. … (Deejaying) is about people having a good time, smiling, sometimes singing along to the songs, and I just think that’s pretty awesome.”
Redd honed his craft through a combination of watching YouTube videos and learning from his dad. It was around 2021 when he booked his first DJ gig, a mother/son dance party at a local school. He was a little nervous, but he was hooked.
“I think (schools) like it that I’m a kid, doing these events for other kids. I just don’t think about, ‘Oh, what if I mess up?’ They don’t mind as long as everyone’s having a good time, and everyone loves the music.”
What are a few related accomplishments? Redd has become quite accomplished as DJ Redd in a short time. He’s been tapped to provide music at several community events including Grand Rapids’ Global Water Fest and Noodle Fest, fundraising events for Paws With A Cause and Family Promise of West Michigan, the West Oakview Elementary walkathon, and even local birthday parties.
He says his biggest accomplishment to date came in 2023, at age 9, when he was invited to become the DJ for Maranda Park Parties, large summer events for kids put on by WOOD-TV/WOTV and community sponsors and hosted by local kids and family expert Maranda.
“I was pretty scared (to take the job) because it was, like, lots and lots of kids. But once I did maybe two of them that summer, I didn’t become scared any more. I actually loved it, seeing everyone having a good time. And now I’m pretty proud that I was able to get myself to the level of the park parties and do a good job with them. When I can hear everyone singing along and having a nice time dancing, that’s my favorite.”
He’s held the job ever since, making sure the events flow smoothly and encouraging people to have fun. Gear-hauling is provided by dad Ace, who serves as DJ Redd’s roadie, and, sometimes, mom Jackie, the self-proclaimed “prayer warrior” for his gigs.
What is your favorite kind of music to play? “Just songs that keep people going. It depends on what the crowd is there for, like if they want electronic or if they want some dance music.
“I’ve learned a lot about timing. Sometimes on certain songs, there’s parts where it’s a bit less energetic, so that’s when I’ll mix in a new song with it.”
Do you plan to pursue this professionally? “I actually have no idea what I’m gonna be when I’m older. Somewhere in the future I could become pro and play massive events, like EDM (electronic dance music) festivals. If I was a DJ, that would be a goal. … Or I could be a restaurant owner. Or I could go into banking like my dad used to do. I really don’t know; there’s so many options.”
Are there any teachers who have helped you in this journey? “Definitely my music teachers along the way in elementary — they taught us a lot of things about music.”
Other hobbies/interests: Redd enjoys gaming, playing the guitar and appearing in school theatrical events; he most recently starred as Pumbaa in Highlands’ performance of “The Lion King.”
He is also a familiar face at — and on the logo of — his parents’ restaurant, Adobo Boy, so named because of Redd’s deep love of pork adobo, a popular Filipino dish. The business is a true family affair; Redd’s specialty is making drinks and he frequently appears on the restaurants’ social accounts.
What’s the biggest lesson you have learned from becoming a DJ? “Just to always be confident and have a nice smile on your face and be in a great mood.”
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