Meet DEEJAY DANI

Since the age of 12 Daniel Casingena has had a fascination with karaoke. He sang in a karaoke bar until every night when in April 2007 a friend gave him some useful advice regarding his singing talent. He used this advice well, met up with Ms Colette Debattista from local entertainment Company Batista Leisure Group (BLG) to discuss his career. BLG were impressed with the Young artist and suggested professional vocal training with British Vocal Coach Ms Heather Baker. This was to be a vital move for the then 16 year old as through the professional training by Miss Baker, Daniel was starting a training programme that stars like Michael Jackson, Enrique Iglesias, Stevie Wonder and many more use....This is the Speech Level Singing Technique (SLS).

My Mum and Dad supported Daniel’s training as did BLG. The British / Maltese kid was well on his way to a memorable 20 months experience....

In April 2007 a local Boyband called ‘Naykid’ was formed and he was selected to be a part of it. With ‘Naykid’ Daniel was one of 4 artists with the others being Darren, Tj and Jan. ‘Naykid’ left a huge impression on the local entertainment scene and were soon turning on their style to thousands in the Biggest shows on the Maltese Islands. This also included live television. They were spotted by British record label Private and Confidential Music and were offered a development deal. Unfortunately the boy band had some problems to sort out and took a break from recording and gigs. The British Record Label lost interest.

In 2008 Daniel moved on as a stronger Artist from this experience and soon joined BLG’s Summer project called ‘Showbiz high’. This was a show which included High School Musical songs and dance, as well as other music. With ‘Showbiz high’ Daniel had the role of ‘Troy’ and he did this brilliantly. He toured Malta and Gozo with his show and he even managed to get his own solo song, complete with BLG’s fantastic female dancers,  on the show.  The show had a ‘Grande Finale’ when Showbiz High was invited to London for 2 performances. The visit to London in September 2008 was a memorable one for Daniel and he starred in both shows, i.e. at Westminster Cathedral Hall and The Shaftesbury Theatre. For more info about this show visit www.showbizhigh.com

After this experience Daniel auditioned for the Disney High School Musical on stage, and in the televised auditions he proved unbeatable for the main role of ‘Ryan Evans’ – Sharpay’s brother. Daniel starred in 7 sell out shows at the Mediterranean Conference Center in Valletta.  His performances were fantastic. His dedication and hard work in the 20 months that had passed from his karaoke singing, had paid off big time.

Now Daniel has been offered a place as a Deejay on The Major Broadcasting  Station – Smash radio. He will be co presenting ‘The Music News Malta Chart Show’ with excellent female deejay DL. The weekly Saturday  show is in English. Daniel is a rookie at deejaying, but his impressive CV, i.e. from a karaoke singer to starring on the best stages in Malta and UK, in the space of 20 months, shows real raw talent in the teenager and he is really looking forward to yet another challenge proposed by Batista Leisure Group. Will he win this challenge hands down too? Listen to Deejay Dani alongside Deejay DL on Saturday from 13.30 hrs to 16.30 hrs and see for yourself!!

Deejay Dani ©
11th January 2009

Live on Smash Radio 104.6 FM - Every Friday @ 16:30hrs - 18:30hrs