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By Caden Fanshaw

SD 57

Motivational hip hop artist marks return of performances for students in SD57

Apr 13, 2022 | 5:41 PM

PRINCE GEORGE – For the past two years, there hasn’t been much in terms of cultural performances for students in School District 57 with restrictions on gatherings and travel due to the pandemic.

This week the long pause came to an end, with a performance from a Canadian hip hop star, and Guinness World Record Holder D.O. Gibson.

“Two and a half years where we haven’t had a performance or cultural event that has happened in our school,” said Principal of Southridge Elementary Steve Dalla Lana. “As we transition out of COVID this is such a blessing for our kids, they’re excited and we’ve got a tremendous performer who is in.”

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The excitement was in the air Wednesday morning at Southridge Elementary as students and staff participated in the back and forth between the rap artist and the crowd.

Although Gibson has performed with Snoop Dog, Drake, and held thousands of shows, he wasn’t in town to simply perform, the goal was to inspire students and teach respect.

Gibson believes although his message is often similar to the words from parents, teachers, and other mentors in the lives of students he can get it across in a fun and creative way.

The proud Torontonian delivers high-energy presentations that feature some hip hop techniques, some inspirational themes, and a lot of lessons in the power of creativity, when he gets in front of the kids and gets them to join him in the rhythm and story of his genre.

Gibson has performed at a number of Prince George schools already including Southridge, Spruceland, Vanway, Ron Brent, and will be headed to McBride on Thursday.

Gibson is one of many touring performers involved in School District 57’s cultural performance slate that can now resume regular programming after two years of disruption.