D.O. Gibson

Discipline: Interdisciplinary
Homebase: Ontario
Regions Available: Lower Mainland, Fraser Valley &, Howe Sound, Vancouver Island Lower, Vancouver Island Mid, Vancouver Island North, Interior, North, Remote, Kootenays, Virtual
Languages: English
Themes: Mental Health, Anti-Bullying
Grant Eligibility: Eligible for 40% AIE

D.O. Gibson is a two-time Guinness World Record-setting rapper, author, and professional speaker. He set a Guinness World Record for the longest freestyle rap ever (8 Hours and 45 Minutes). Gibson has toured Europe, Asia the US as well as his native country Canada performing over 3500 shows. As a rapper, his songs have hit #1 on the US college charts, he's had Snoop Dogg provide him with freestyle topics, and Drake appeared in one of his videos. In 2024, Gibson was named one of the top twenty outstanding Black Canadians by Shifter Magazine, and he was awarded the Allie Award at the Women of Inspiration Awards.

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Performance(s)

Black Canadian 365

School Year: 24-25
Discipline: Interdisciplinary
Offered Languages: English
Grade Suitability: K - 12
Duration: 1 hour
Capacity: 700
Tech Requirements: Zoom, Google Meet, Microsoft Teams
Available Formats: In Person, Virtual

The impact of Black Lives Matter was felt around the world. Black History shouldn't only be taught in February, but throughout the year. Black Canadian 365 is a program that has been covered by CBC, CTV, Global and the Toronto Star in 2021. The presentation focuses on Black Canadian History. D.O. talks about Viola Desmond, who stood up for her rights by sitting down at a movie theatre in Nova Scotia. Recently her image was added to the ten-dollar bill. He talks about freedom fighter Josiah Henson -- a slave that travelled the Underground Railroad for freedom in Canada, became a landowner and helped others free and empower other blacks. The presentation is interactive, and he gets the students rapping along to a spiritual. As always, D.O. closes his show with his trademark freestyle rap calling on students to provide topics as he delivers a spontaneous rap.

Hip-Hop 101

School Year: 24-25
Discipline: Interdisciplinary
Offered Languages: English
Grade Suitability: K - 12
Duration: 1 hour
Capacity: 700
Tech Requirements: Zoom, Google Meet, Microsoft Teams
Available Formats: In Person, Virtual

"Hip-Hop 101" is an innovative one-hour interactive performance led by D.O., designed to captivate your students as he delves into the origins of Hip-Hop music and culture. Throughout the session, D.O. encourages active participation, engaging the school in call and response rap sessions. He emphasizes the potency of words and guides students in discovering their own creative outlets. To conclude the performance, D.O. hosts a lively game of "Name That Tune," inviting student volunteers to participate in a song-guessing challenge.

In the Zone

School Year: 24-25
Discipline: Interdisciplinary
Offered Languages: English
Grade Suitability: K - 12
Duration: 60 mins.
Capacity: 700
Tech Requirements: Zoom, Google Meet, Microsoft Teams
Available Formats: In Person, Virtual

In The Zone is an engaging one-hour assembly that combines live hip-hop performances with a focus on character education. D.O. talks about what it means to defy the odds to achieve your dream when faced with challenging obstacles. He encourages youth to have role models and focus on improving by 1% daily to achieve their goals. The presentation is interactive, with D.O. performing spontaneous freestyle raps while also getting all of the students involved through call and response rapping.

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Testimonials & Reviews

Duane you did an excellent job. You engaged with all ages and kept the crowd interested. A week after your presentation, we visited some of the local elementary schools and the kids were singing your song. AWESOME JOB! You Rocked it. Carly, Hope Haven Society, Alberta

Duane's high-energy presentation and clear messaging about bullying prevention was enjoyed by all students. The students connected with him very quickly and were involved throughout the performance. Zita Valerio, Principal, Topcliff P.S, TDSB

Duane was very engaging with the students - he related to students well. The combination of rapping, humour and story telling was extremely effective. Pat Li, Principal, Durham District School Board

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