All hands on DJ’s deck: Family’s plea for financial help for local musician after stroke
APPEAL FOR HELP: DJ Kaelem ‘Terrasoul’ Fakier, 31, needs kroon for therapy after he suffered a stroke
Friends and family of popular Cape Town DJ Kaelem Fakier are rallying to raise funds for the 31-year-old who recently suffered a stroke.
Kaelem, aka Terrasoul, is a sound engineer, writer and contributor for We Are Pulse, MyCityByNight, a lecturer at Pioneer Academy and the former editor of Xtixs.
DJs and industry pros such as Luwayne Wonder, Ashton Parenzee, Celeste Mitchell, Clint Carelse and more have shared messages of support for DJ Terrasoul.
His mom Dominique Staal, who lives and works in New Zealand, arrived in Cape Town last week to assist Kaelem, who now needs ongoing care since the stroke in February.
Dominique started a crowdfunding initiative for her son online and wrote: “In February this year, my son Kaelem, at 31 suffered a stroke which has left him unable to use his right hand and walks with difficulty.
“As he is a sound engineer, he has had to give up his job and move into care with my sister in South Africa.
“Kaelem was living in his own flat and working hard as a sound engineer and musician.
“He was making his way and carving a future for himself under the name Terrasoul.
“His dreams and hopes have been dealt a severe blow and he is struggling to see his future.”
She said her sister is struggling as she is also caring for her adult son who is wheelchair-bound.
“Kaelem needs ongoing care and medical treatment including physiotherapy and occupational therapy to enable him to recover fully,” wrote Dominique.
“Doctors have said that this could take a year or more. Kaelem is overwhelmed by his circumstances and the costs of treatment.
”The mom says she came back to South Africa to support her son emotionally and financially.
She says while she’s dipped into her retirement savings, it’s not enough and they desperately need help.
“I will not be able to work and have to fund my young daughter in New Zealand as well as our rental home,” she says.
To donate and support Kealem, visit www.givealittle.co.za.