DJ Maj of TobyMac's Diverse City Band hosts virtual family dance parties to raise awareness for mental health in midst of COVID-19 pandemic

Partnering with high-profile artists including TobyMac & Chris Tomlin, parties intended to help take away feelings of isolation by creating community, bringing people together

DJ Maj of TobyMac's Diverse City Band recently rolled out a family dance party on his Instagram stories @playjamusic to bring people together and create community while so many are dealing with feelings of isolation due to COVID-19 stay-at-home mandates. The party was so successful that he has expanded the concept and partnered with several high-profile music festivals and artists, including TobyMac and Chris Tomlin, via their Insta story social media platforms.

"Originally, I didn't plan to do more of these parties, but after the first one, the response I got from people who were really struggling with being at home, who lost jobs, who were fearful of what is happening, opened my eyes to how this could really help some people and start a conversation about mental health – something I've been passionate about for years," Maj said.

After personal loss and soul searching, Maj embarked on a personal journey in what he called “the language of vulnerability.” The result was the result was the launch of www.djmaj.com/gethelp in 2019 to help nudge people toward tools to create community and advocate for vulnerability, honesty and transparency. 

A press release said, “With suicide and depression/anxiety rates on an upward trajectory already, the COVID-19 crises has only worsened this trend, with rising call volumes at crises centers across the country. In March alone, the Disaster Distress Helpline saw a 338% increase in call volume compared with February.”

With May being Mental Health Awareness Month, Maj said he is excited to continue the parties each weekend and is now also doing virtual meet-and-greets @playmajmusic to connect more on a personal level after each party. The current May schedule includes Blanca, @OfficialBlanca (May 1); TobyMac, @TobyMac (May 2); Gotee Records, @Gotee (May 8); TobyMac (May 9); Mandisa @MandisaOfficial (May 14); TobyMac (May 16); We Are Messengers/@weare1movement (May 22); and TobyMac (May 23) – with more dates to follow. Get all of the latest information by following @playmajmusic on Instagram or at www.djmaj.com 

Also, DJ Maj partnered with New Release Today to premier a brand-new song featuring Bekah Shae, "Feel Again." Listen to “Feel Again” here. Check out the tracks’ lyric video:

Maj said, "It’s OK to not be OK. But, not having to tools to process times of personal loss tends to result in an emotionally calloused existence. It all accumulates and we eventually pop. I’ve learned the importance of keeping the connection between our hearts, our emotions, and our minds unsevered. When we pause, examine and dialogue, it begins the process of healing in many forms. I hope this tune and these family dance parties can continue to bring joy, inspire, and provoke healing.”

Additional song information is available at www.djmaj.com/feelagain.

Get Connected with Dj Maj

• Facebook: @playmajmusic
• Twitter: @playmajmusic
• Instagram: @playmajmusic
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/djmaj