Beyond the Booth

In my recent sit-down with Stephen Busby, aka DJ BuzzB, the Toronto-based Soca powerhouse behind Tsunami, Soca Heads, and now the Soca Business Conference, we went far beyond music. We dove deep into what it really takes to build and sustain a brand, a movement, and a legacy in this ever-evolving entertainment industry.

BuzzB dropped a ton of gems during our chat, and one of the most relatable moments came when he talked about aging in a scene that’s constantly refreshing itself with younger crowds. “Sometimes I’m looking out into the crowd and I’m seeing 19, 20-year-olds… me just going out there feels like I’m going to serve five to ten,” he joked, keeping it real about the generational shift. But when the vibes match his age range, you’ll still catch him outside mingling.

We also got into some practical advice for up-and-coming DJs — and honestly, it applies to anyone trying to break into a competitive space. His message? Don’t just ask for a handout. Come ready to contribute. “Hey Melissa, I love your show. Can I maybe help one week and fix the lighting in your room?” That kind of approach, he says, is what gets remembered. It’s what builds relationships — and eventually, opportunities.

BuzzB didn’t hold back when it came to the realities of entrepreneurship either. From throwing one of the most in-demand events in Toronto Carnival season (Tsunami, with 5,000 people and still hundreds begging to get in), to navigating silent financial and emotional battles behind the scenes, he laid it all out. The upcoming Soca Business Conference is his passion project — something he’s developing to educate and connect Caribbean business professionals while pulling back the curtain on the hard truths of the soca industry.

“This conference is designed to teach about the inner workings of soca,” he explained, stressing the importance of transparency, mentorship, and legacy. Too often we only see the highlights — the wins shared on social media— but behind those wins are losses, doubts, and sacrifices most people never talk about. And that’s what BuzzB wants to change.

His honesty was powerful. “Not everything is about a quick paycheck,” he said. “Sometimes it’s about being in the room.” That part hit me especially hard because it's true not just in music, but in journalism, content creation, and life. Being present. Showing up. Offering value.

There’s so much more where that came from — including his thoughts on gatekeeping, navigating criticism, and the kind of faith it takes to push through when everything feels heavy. If you’re building something, chasing a dream, or just looking for a reminder that you’re not alone in your grind, you need to hear this.

Watch the full interview on YouTube and tap into the mindset of a real one who’s not only making noise — but making impact.