February 1, 2012. (Romereports.com) Born 33 years ago in Valencia, Spain, Daniel Pajuelo is a computer engineer, a member of the Society of Mary(Marianists), and a rapper. He says he found God when he was 17. After, he joined the Society of Mary where he was encouraged to develop his talents, which included his rap.
He works as a teacher and his dedication to young people encouraged him to get a microphone and start rhyming. In his concerts he found a warm welcome from the audience but also some surprise.
“It's easy for young people to learn by memory. They find it easy to learn phrases that have a message behind it. Nowadays, they don't learn the Creed, but they can learn a rap song that length wise, is basically the Creed six times over.”
Daniel, known as SMDANI, gives away what was given to him for free. In 2009, he released his first album 'Giving life 3^N' which can be downloaded on his website. He says he's not looking for fame, but only hopes to continue helping people through his lyrics.
“I hope there is a restlessness in my heart to explore this concern because you can't only do rap. You need something to talk about and that something, in one way or another is always Jesus.”
His responsibilities as a religious have not allowed him to give many concerts. Although during World Youth Day in Madrid, he welcomed Benedict XVI and the Spanish Nuncio with a concert alongside other rappers. His song 'Come to me' is also on the official CD for the event.
He says he doesn't want to commit his life to just rapping, but thinks many young people can find their calling through this art form.
“The big problem is that a person deserves to make a living from their work. And at least in Spain, it's difficult for a Catholic author to do this.”
SMDANI now lives in Rome. He's a seminarian who spends a big part of his time, studying theology. In his spare time he writes.
“1,2,3 yeah. Esta vez para Romereports. Esto no es pop, esto es hip hop. Yeah”
For this religious rapper, the New Evangelization means to speak about God in new and different way-and that includes rapping to the beat of music.
