- Insurance Broker
- Music Impresario
Nizar Damji known as "Nizar & Party" is a legend in the community. Born in Tanzania, he is a well-accomplished and internationally renowned singer and musician. Through his concerts he contributed to numerous local, national and international charitable organizations. As Nizar's voice and musical talent were considered to be outstanding, he had the honor and privilege to perform in presence of His Highness the Aga Khan and once for Prince Sadruddin Aga Khan (UN High Commissioner for Refugees).
Nizar arrived in Vancouver as a landed immigrant with his family after a brief stopover in Toronto in August of 1975. Since he was a well-known musician within the South Asian community, he was invited to perform on a program produced by Mr. Shan Chandra Sekar, who was also a renowned musician, and now the Executive Producer of Asian Television Network (ATN).
After arriving in Vancouver, Nizar realized that there were no local television programs for Canadians of Indian and Pakistani origin. Inspired by shows in Toronto, he became the pioneer and produced television programs for the South Asian population of Vancouver. In January 1976, AAP KI MEHFIL took flight over the airwaves. Nizar was able to produce and direct this very successful TV show for well over three years with Kartar Singh Bains as a production assistant and Sushma Sardana as the host. During this time, Nizar encouraged over 450 participants, both old and young to appear on his television program. And since the program was informative, educational, and very entertaining, it appealed to every age group. AAP KI MEHFIL held true to its meaning, "Your Congregation" and became a weekly favourite among families.
In 1978 Nizar and his family became proud Canadian Citizens residing in the Killarney area. During this time an 11th grader from the Killarney School was working on a project handing out questionnaires on the subject of "East Indian Culture". Nizar took the initiative and went to meet with his teacher. He thought it would be a great learning opportunity for the students to meet different leaders within the "East Indian Culture". After their interview with the head of the Ross Street Gurudwara, Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) Temple and the leader of the Ismaili community, the students were amazed to learn the existence of such diverse communities within the East Indian category.
Later that same year, Nizar decided that the whole community could benefit from such a lesson and thus AAP KI MEHFIL CULTURAL SOCIETY was established. With a job creation grant from the Federal Government, he managed and created 9 jobs for people from the Sikh, Muslim, and Hindu faiths. Their job was to do research on the religions and cultures. Nizar's primary objective was to create awareness as he had done with the high school students but on a larger scale. The one-year project was well received by the Federal Government for its success.
Also in 1978, Premier Cable Systems, a division of Rogers Cable Systems, established a new multicultural channel. They approached Nizar with an offer to produce another television show. "GEMS OF THE EAST" was launched in early 1979. This show was as successful as AAP KI MEHFIL and is well remembered even today.
Unfortunately, in 1984, the Multicultural PAY TV was introduced. A11 producers of the free multicultural channel were served with notices to close down. Nizar was deeply disappointed with the decision, so he fought the closure, took action and saved the free channel that is still enjoyed by all producers and community viewers today.
In 1983, he ventured forward with the same theme to spread the message of diversity through his new project for the 1986 EXPOSITION in Vancouver. Nizar produced a music video titled "FROM BRITISH COLUMBIA WITH LOVE" depicting multiculturalism here in Canada. This same year was His Highness The Aga Khan's Silver Jubilee. Nizar was awarded the Silver Jubilee Medal for his outstanding voluntary service in the community. He has since received several Humanitarian and Music Awards for his contribution to various charitable organizations.
In 1983 the very first community telephone directory was launched called "CanAsian Directory" yet another attempt to bring communities together.
Nizar has most currently been involved with the "World Partnership Walk" as deputy media convenor and was also part of the Media and Marketing team for "Bridges That Unite" and "Ismaili Walk for Women 2008".
By profession Nizar has been an Independent Life Insurance broker since 1984.
I had the honor to perform in presence of MHI 3 times.
Prior to July 11, 1957 Tahkht Nashini of our beloved MHI in Nairobi He had visited Kisumu Kenya. At Sundown reception I (age15) provided Raas/Garba segment included a song on my mini accordion.
My parents moved to Nairobi for five years before returning to Dar-ea-Salaam. I continued with my musical journey in Nairobi with countless performances for our Jamat and many other communities. Performing at Royal Technical College Nairobi, I was given a title of Kenyan Elvis Presley on accordion.
Parents moved back to DSM 1960s. During MHI’s Didar in DSM, 3 locations were equipped with only 2 bands to play our Anthem. So, I was asked by our Council to create a musical group. This consisted of accordion, 2 side drums, base drum and cymbals. Before entering Diamond Jubilee Hall, MHI came forward, blessed me with lots of dua Aashish. He reminisced my performance in Kisumu 1957
I will always cherish this memorable experience for the rest of my life.
Nizar Damji
