Sean Lalla Obituary – A Toronto DJ has been mourned by the music community following his untimely death at a Caribbean Airbnb. The body of Sean Lalla, 49, was discovered on Tuesday morning in Trinidad and Tobago, as reported by local sources. Lalla had been missing since checking into the rental property a few days prior. Authorities have ordered an autopsy to determine the cause of death. Friends on social media expressed that Lalla had desired to spend more time with his mother.
Known by his DJ name Elsewhere Sonido, Lalla was renowned for organizing hip-hop shows in Canada during the 1990s and 2000s. In recent years, he adopted a nomadic lifestyle, collecting music during his travels and sharing his expertise on obscure vinyl records. The news of Lalla’s passing deeply affected many in the music industry, including The Roots drummer Questlove, who described Lalla as the reason Canada experienced authentic hip-hop. Questlove also recalled Lalla’s influence in arranging interviews with Vancouver music journalist Nardwuar, considering it a great honor.
Rob Swift, a prominent hip-hop DJ and turntablist, paid tribute to Lalla for his impact on rap music in Canada. Swift emphasized Lalla’s role as a bridge between Canadian hip-hop and the global music scene. Lalla had recently traveled to Mexico City, Brazil, and Japan to DJ at various events, showcasing his passion for music. BBC radio DJ Gilles Peterson, who had recently hosted Lalla, described him as a legendary figure and a humble music enthusiast. The music community mourns the loss of Sean Lalla, recognizing his lasting impact on the industry.