OCNews

Set to release six original songs next month on Apple Music and Spotify, Himrose Bajaj’s career as DJ Hamy Shah is hitting new high notes. 

As a child, Himrose Baja felt an instant connection to the Punjabi music his mom played in their home. 

Now thanks to a unique music production course at OC he’s creating his own songs blending Punjabi language and hip-hop beats.  

Himrose, who came to OC as an international student and is now a Canadian permanent resident living in Kelowna, is set to release six original songs this summer after graduating with a certificate from the Audio Engineering and Music Production (AEMP) program from Okanagan College.  

"Everything is because of the program. It taught me how to succeed in the music industry. The professional and individualized approach to learning gave me the confidence I needed to begin my career as a musician,” says Himrose. “I would recommend the AEMP program to anyone looking to pursue a career in the music industry.”  

The AEMP certificate provides students with coursework and instruction in topics including signal flow and processing, live sound engineering, and digital audio recording. 

A unique fusion of Punjabi, English and rap beats,  Himrose’s music draws inspiration from his language and culture. His songs embody his personal experiences and resonate with a diverse audience.  

"The language I first heard music in was Punjabi, and I felt an instant connection. I knew I wanted to be a part of the music industry when I discovered that people like me were creating music," Himrose said. 

Himrose had the opportunity to showcase his DJ-ing skills at this year's You at OC event, which proved to be a pivotal moment in his career. The You at OC event was an opportunity for people to visit the college’s campus and learn more about the programs and services OC offers.  

“It was a big opportunity to play at the You at OC event. My professors and fellow students were there, but I felt confident in my skills,”  Himrose said about his performance. 

Looking back, Himrose considers the AEMP program at Okanagan College to be one of the best courses of his life.   

“I DJ under the name Hamy Shah, it is going really well, I am booked to DJ parties, weddings and special events. Next month I will be releasing six original songs on Apple Music and Spotify. It’s a really exciting time in my career,” said Himrose. 

The AEMP Certificate is one of the many programs offered by Continuing Studies. Explore the various certificates and courses here: https://www.okanagan.bc.ca/continuingstudies.