Damani Elijah Chadly was born just after midnight, May 21, 2001 on Sheppard Air Force Base in Texas. It was a close call as Justine was advised to say her goodbyes to her family and newborn in the event her time had come. She saw a bright light and felt a peaceful pull to a place unknown. That place is where she hopes her sweet angel baby is now.

Damani Elijah lived in Texas and New Mexico until coming home to the Bay Area in 2003. Benicia was home as were his friends at Tiny Tots Preschool, Shining Star Montessori,and Mary Farmar Elementary. He loved the downtown events, swimming, soccer, basketball, baseball and (sometimes begrudgingly) his piano lessons.

As a truly social being, Mani Elijah loved the move to San Francisco where he attended Presidio Hill School for middle school. There he proudly played basketball each year and loved the game as well as his teammates. He transitioned from alto to tenor sax, as he grew to over six feet tall, and enjoyed jam sessions with friends and school performances. During middle school he prepared for his alltime favorite party, his party bus excursion around the city to celebrate becoming a Bar Mitzvah at Temple Emanu-El in seventh grade.

High School was the time he decided to place all his efforts into his passion and talent for music production. Interning and eventually teaching classes at Youth Radio in Oakland filled him with pride and passion for making beats and collaborating with others to create music together. Known at work as “Lucille’s funniest worker,” he loved making people laugh, and always brought a playful and exuberant energy. At California High School he was known to be a young man of substance and integrity who in many ways was beyond his years, and all who knew him, knew he would do great things. He was not only active in daily class discussions but in his American Government class, he “was the class.” His motivation inspired others and his introspection made him stand out. His junior and senior years were spent devoted to working and going to school, making music, and visiting colleges and family on the East Coast. He loved family, and felt the daily love and support from the very special people who continue to keep his memory alive today.

He is forever in our hearts and his music and spirit continue on. Mani On This Thang is his tag and can be heard on the music he produced.

CLICK HERE TO READ ABOUT DAMANI’S BENCH DEDICATION