Parsa G. Shiran, a senior medical student at the University of British Columbia (UBC), is using music to raise awareness about Parkinson’s disease. Shiran picked up exploring music in his free time at the university.

Operating under the stage name Legacy, Shiran is a hip-hop and afrobeat producer from Burnaby, Canada. He released his first mixtape on International Parkinson’s Day, April 11, at Van Guards Music Studio in East Vancouver. This project is in collaboration with the Parkinson Society British Columbia (PSBC), who will be donated all proceeds from the event.

The debut mixtape features a modern take on Canadian hip-hop classics from the mid-2000s, produced in partnership with DJ Kemo of The Rascals. Shiran’s initiative is a way to support PSBC’s grassroot efforts to provide resources for those affected by the condition.

Shiran says this is also an opportunity for him to honour his grandfather who passed away from Parkinson’s disease. Shiran decided to partner with the Parkinson Society British Columbia (PSBC) because they are committed to creating and contributing resources for those affected on a grassroot level.

Shiran started exploring music in his free time as it helped save him from burnout, depression, and anxiety, especially while working through the busy medical program studying around 60 hours per week. While studying Parkinson’s Disease at the university, Shiran discovered that music and dance therapy can be the most effective treatments to help patients with Parkinson’s move without tremors. He investigated further and decided to help those with Parkinson’s by utilizing these therapies.

The medical student says he will always pursue his passion for music, while he continues to help others. Shiran is inviting anyone who likes his music to donate to the PSBC. Links to donate are on the society’s website.