Sometimes meeting strangers can turn out to be very fortuitous. Just such a case happened recently. While meeting with a wonderful lady to chat to her about her interesting, small business, I was introduced to her friend who happened to be DT. DT travels to our lovely island quite a few times a year from Canada.

What is your real name?

Keith Sweeney.

How old are you?

I am 29; I'll be 30 in three weeks.

Where are you from?

I was born in Toronto and lived there until I was 19 when I went to New York to meet up with family. We all got on so well together that I ended up staying there.

Where did you go to school?

I went to high school in Toronto; I attended York Memorial Collegiate and then went on to Crawford Adventist Academy where I graduated at 17. York Memorial had a talent competition and I was asked to perform on the spot. I quickly created a poetic free-style rap and used one of the audience members as an inspiration and rapped about her. The audience went wild and it was from there that my classmates called me "Deep Thoughts" and I got the nom de plume of "DT."

What did you do in New York regarding work?

I performed as a hip hop artist and I also spoke at different youth organizations. While I was in New York, a friend asked me to speak to a group of youth with an inspirational message like that of Martin Luther King's "I have a Dream." I have always had an interest in life itself and am interested in a cross section of subjects which I like to research. I also have the gift of being able to stand up and speak in front of an audience, so I am a natural speaker. From that first very successful oration, I was asked to speak to various other groups along the same line. I work with youth groups a lot.

When you return to Toronto, what did you do?

I returned to Toronto and founded my own company DFC Entertainment (Dream Fulfilment Company), which is a development company for starting artists in any musical genre. The company focuses on artist development, stage presence, studio recording, branding and also marketing and promotion. Although I already have this company up and running with about five artists at the moment, I am returning to college to pursue a diploma in Music Business Administration which I will have completed by January 2012.

When and why did you come to St. Maarten?

Summer of 2008 a friend from Toronto planned a weeklong event here in St. Maarten called "Stile Diva" in which I was to headline the "All White Party" at Holland House. I performed two songs entitled "Runway Girl" and "I Need Money." While on island, I met a wonderful girl and her family who adopted me and vice versa; she is like my big sister.

Why are you in St. Maarten this visit?

I am promoting a trio of mix CDs entitled "The Campaign," "The Announcement," and "The Election." This is a precursor to my first professional album entitled "Taking Office." Yes, it has political leanings including comedy, drama and everything involved with campaigning. It is being produced by a Grammy nominated Juno Award winning and platinum selling production team. I am here to work with local performers to give them more international exposure. I would like to expose a lot more local talent. I am holding a workshop this Friday at Motiance Dance School.

I know you sing, but do you play any instruments?

Yes, I can play piano and base guitar. I learnt to play by ear when very young. I was born deaf and at the age of five had an ear operation to improve my hearing. But it was not until I was 16 that my hearing was completely developed. Since then I have had no more hearing problems. However, all through these years, I followed the dream of musical aspirations. Even though I can play by ear and produce musical compositions I still have mentors who teach me piano, base guitar and music theory. One is never too old to learn!

Do you have your own studio where you develop up coming artists?

I work from two studios but I also have a studio of my own that I have been building up over the years. This is a top of the line modern studio which includes computers, musical instruments like keyboards and various guitars and microphones. It also has a sound booth.

What is the love of your life?

The love of my life is music, of course! I eat, breathe and sleep music. Music has allowed me to meet so many wonderful people, not only all over the world but also wonderful folk from St. Maarten that I am glad to call my friends and colleagues.

Which two people would you like to invite to a dinner party and why?

I would have to say Barry Gordy who is the founder of Motown Records, so I could pick his brain. I have a million questions I'd like to ask him. The other dinner guest would be P. Diddy, a hip hop mogul. I would love to talk to him about his business acumen.

What would you serve your guests?

We would have to have rolled lasagna. I saw this on the Food Network and I would love to make it for my guests. Basically it is the meat and sauce.

DT, you are one of the most interesting, warm and outgoing people anyone could wish to meet.

With your drive to learn, teach and give of yourself you can only go way beyond your dreams. All the best of the best in the world to you!

If anyone he or she is a budding artist or would like to contact DT for collaboration for musical production, this Friday's Workshop would be a good opportunity to meet him and hear his excellent advice.

SXM Cell: 586 9928; email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it