Rawgged MC

Bio

Diegal Leger, alias Rawgged MC, was born in Haïti and raised in Montreal. His upbringing was stimulated by music, sports, and academics. A shy kid, he internalized the realities of immigration, soaked in sounds and rhythms of Haitian community radio, vintage cassettes from his father's collection of kompa and other classics of musicianship from non-western traditions. Later, he found the confidence to express himself first on pots and pans, by beatboxing in the shower and while commuting to and from school, through rhyming and ultimately through learning the electric bass. Curious in nature, and with a positive outlook, he wanted to do it all. He ended up doing most of it, but not at the same time. That is, he took a break from his academic career in the life sciences to explore other disciplines such as history and administration as an independent student; to enter the workforce as a pool guy, airport security agent, customer service rep, financial security adviser, promoter and event organizer. It was through the latter activities, notely Rockdeep Tuesdays, that he hosted and promoted, and the annual Montreal International Symposium on Hiphop Culture held from 2002-2005 that he met most members of Nomadic Massive.

In 2004, the year that Nomadic Massive was founded, he enrolled in the doctorate program in podiatric medicine at the University of Quebec in Trois-Rivières. He graduated in 2008 and now practices at the Clinique et Centre de Chirurgie Podiatrique in Terrebonne. So far, he has managed to combine and balance his passions and interests in the fields of health science, music, and community involvement. He particularly cares for his native Haïti and supports the reforestation efforts in Haïti.

Interview

What music are you listening to/art are you checking out these days?

These days I listen to the radio a lot: talk radio, cultural radio shows, jazz programs. I listen to a lot of local radio shows; and of course Haitian music.

Why should people, especially youth, vote?

We have the privilege to live in a country that values and respects the democratic process. Although it may not be a perfect system, with that privilege, I think the least we could do is to not be apathetic and exercise that privilege in order to contribute to the effort to steer government toward the direction of our personal ideals.

For you, is there a connection between art and democracy? What is it?

Freedom of speech and of thought and the duty to speak for those that can't or aren't heard. Both are a form of public service.

Why do you care about community when it is so easy not to?

We don't live in a vacuum. The process of our upbringing involves the community. A strong community breeds strong individuals.

What do you look for in a politician? What do you expect from your MP?

Accessibility, genuine caring, intelligence, charisma, and courage.