DavidB

David Oluwaferanmi Balogun or DavidB (born May 31, 1988), better known by his stage name DavidB, is a British/Nigerian singer-songwriter and musician. Also a dancer and producer, his songs are mostly in the R&B, Afrobeats and gospel music genres.^[1]

Background & Early Career

DavidB was born in Ile-Ife, Nigeria, to Michael Balogun, a professor of cardiology and Iyabode Balogun (a nurse) and it was here that he first began his journey into entertainment at the age of 2, predominantly with his gift in dance. At 11, he was part of a dance group called Perfected Praise Generation Dancers which went on to perform with major artists in Nigeria such as Gbenga Adenuga.

He started out imitating moves from legends such as Michael Jackson, before fashioning his steps.

In July 2002, David moved to Manchester, UK to live with his mother and completed his education there. Later that year, he recorded his first song written by himself, titled ‘First Love’ – produced by James Ritchie.^[1] During this time, David started a dance group, NuGen in his local church in Manchester - New Covenant Church.

In 2003, DavidB attended a vocal training course led by Elaine Hanley, affiliated with Owen Thomas’ Cultural Fusion. Of the experience, he says: “I clearly remember the day I sang ‘Greatest Love of All’ by Whitney Houston, and Elaine gave me a standing ovation. It was and is still one of my most memorable moments”.^[2] On the same day, he was approached by an impressed observer, Sam Adebanjo with a proposition to be a part of a group called ‘One’ which later became D.T.W.G. (Desire to Worship God).

In 2006, DavidB went on a UK tour with Grammy Award winner - Josh Groban.

2007 - date

In 2007, DavidB decided to relaunch his career as a solo artist and released his debut EP, ‘Phases’, launching it in concert where he performed all the 6 songs on the EP to a sold out audience. In September that year, he gained admission to Leicester Medical School, where he had trouble settling in. He was torn between becoming a doctor like his father or pursuing what he really wanted to do - music. He failed his exams and was asked to withdraw.

In 2009, DavidB graduated with a diploma in Electronic Music Production at the School of Sound Recording (SSR) in Manchester. He later went on to study Music Industry Management at Canterbury Christ Church University, graduating with a 2nd Class Upper in BA(Hons) in 2012. David faced so many challenges while he was working on music during his study at Canterbury. He had worked on a couple of albums that never got released due to misunderstandings between him and the producers he was working with.

In 2015, he released his rendition of Tiwa Savage’s hit single ‘Kele Kele’ which was very well received and was championed and supported by Tiwa Savage herself.^[3] Later that year, DavidB released his single ‘Iwo Nikan’.^[4]

A new brand new single ‘Titi Lai Lai’ was released in May 2016.^[5]

Divine Divine

During his years of study, DavidB entered as a contestant in Loveworld Music Festival (Christ Embassy) and won.^[6] He also entered the first season of ‘Time to Shine’ and was part of the winning group – Divine Divine.^[7][8] Divine Divine recorded their Debut Album – Edge Street – in which David played a major role as writer, singer, and vocal arranger and played big stages such as Big Church Day Out, New Wine Festival, Under the Bridge, The Jazz Cafe and Indigo 02. They also opened for gospel superstar, Fred Hammond.

‘Care About The Journey’ and 'I'm Still Here'

DavidB’s second EP, ‘Care About The Journey’ was released in 2014^[9] and given a solid rating.^[10] As part of the lead up to the release of the EP, David released a candid documentary of his journey up until that point titled ‘I’m Still Here’.^[11] He then followed up with the project's first single – ‘Ijo Ya’.

Awards and Performances

In 2009, DTWG was nominated for a MOBO Award in the Best Gospel Category, touring ith the group afterwards.^[12] He has headlined a number of concerts in the UK and Nigeria, from Manchester to Ile-Ife, including TVC News Nigeria’s ‘Your View’ (sharing the platform with the likes of Lagbaja and Denrele). In 2016, DavidB headlined his show with Ni-Cola at the prestigious venue – Band on the Wall.^[13] The music video for 'Ijo Ya' won ‘Best UK Video Solo Male', 'Best UK Video of the Year 2014', and 'Best UK Video Director 2014' at the Jump Music Video Awards.^[14] The video was also nominated for Premier Gospel Awards 2016.

References