Najjah Calibur’s Passion For Fitness

Photo Submitted by Christine Blanchette

If you’re like me and could use an occasional dose of inspiration to keep your fitness on track, look no further than Najjah Calibur, an award-winning international host for FIFA, and international recording artist who once toured with the Black Eyed Peas.

Calibur, an avid sports enthusiast who knows the value of staying fit and how that applies to everything he does.

The Toronto based entertainer shares in our Q&A his previous experience as an International host at the World Cup in Qatar and the importance of living a healthy lifestyle.

Q: Tell us your role as the FIFA International host at the World Cup in Qatar?

A: Well first of all the FIFA World Cup was scintillating! 

What an experience.I had the best job in the world as the host! I was part of an infotainment team that had to deliver the pre-match and halftime shows for all of the games including that explosive final.  

I had the privilege to be the head of the culmination of all the back end work and planning at (those) sold out stadiums. 

We plan(ned) out live hits in the crowd that revolved around the teams , the history of soccer, games or comedic pieces  and sponsors/advertisers all while keeping the energy at full tilt!

Q: Can you share some of the high lights?

Highlights first start with me doing my first Argentina game and getting to see up close one of my idols, someone I am in awe of, Lionel Messi, perhaps arguably the greatest soccer player of all time, certainly of this generation.

It was incredible, I was like a little kid just staring at him he seemed almost like a caricature just looked perfect! 

Another high light was meeting some of the Man(Chester) United legends  like Roy Keane who captained and led Man United in their glory days to something like 10 titles and is just an iconic figure who now is a pundit for Sky Sports and BT Sports in England!! 

In regards to the actual tournament hosting the finals which is now clearly acknowledged as the best FIFA World Cup final ever, was incredible!! 

(Another) high light was bonding with fans you would see again and again as there teams progressed through the rounds. The human race is truly spectacular in our finest moments!!  

Why is it important to you to maintain a healthy lifestyle?

Being that I grew up playing soccer and even had the chance to further that development  with a chance to go away to play  NCAA Division 1 soccer  at Cleveland State l, which is the highest amateur level of sport in North America… I have a lot of muscle memory and mental memory of what it takes to be in shape. 

More importantly because I suffer from depression and anxiety it is crucial to my well being and mental health. I make sure I hit the gym at least three times a week and play soccer once a week.

I feel so much better when I work out or play ball. It’s almost night and day when  I slip and get off that routine. Not to mention my eating.  

I try my best to eat healthy with limited fast food..love my fruit smoothies in the mornings with protein powder! 

Lol. But between my affirmations in the morning and prayer I kind of set the tone for success, however, I’m looking to take it to the next level with more consistency in 2023!!

Q: What projects are you working on?

I am expanding my sports client list to now also include Curling Canada. I will be hosting the Tim Hortons BRIER Cup this March in London Ontario and (currently) in negotiations  to host the Curling World Championships in Ottawa in April.  

I have soccer tournaments like the Concacaf Gold Cup in the US in early summer and the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand (starting July 20th). 

I’m getting ready to release my first album!  

I should have mentioned this as one of my highlights but I made a World Cup fan appreciation song that ended up getting played in the stadiums. 

It was surreal to hear my music pumping in a stadium of 60 to 80,000 people depending on what stadium we were in! 

Lastly I am starting a Youtube show called FootyScoops which will cover numerous aspects of the beautiful game and the fans that surround it. But as you can see lots is happening!  

By the end of 2023 I promise you now I will be a worldwide brand! His enthusiasm for life is obviously undeniable.

Our Fitness Friday feature is submitted and written by Christine Blanchette so please follow her on Twitter as well as her Run With It Youtube Channel.