Divine Divine
| Divine Divine | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Background information | |
| Origin | United Kingdom |
| Genres | Urban contemporary gospel |
| Years active | 2011– |
| Labels | Independent |
| Members |
Lawrence Rowe David Balogun Nadine Ceaser Neresa Maye |
Divine Divine are the British vocal gospel group who began their public journey as the runaway winners of the first Time 2 Shine[1] talent search in 2011.[2]
With guidance from the Time 2 Shine organisation and Black Grape Global, Divine Divine have honed their craft and recorded their debut album entitled Edge Street.
This debut album was released in August 2012.
History
2011: Time 2 Shine Talent Search and formation
Performing on Time 2 Shine, televised on Sky (2011)
In 2011, all four members applied as solo candidates for Time 2 Shine, a talent search which set out to identify individuals who could come together to form the ultimate pop gospel group. Having made it to band camp, Neresa, David, Nadine and Lawrence rose above the challenges of the elimination tasks, initially as individual artists.
Through the creative process of the competition Neresa, David, Nadine and Lawrence fused as the group which went on to win the hearts of public and judges alike.…..Divine Divine was born!
Members
Lawrence Rowe
(aka Lawrence “Da Talented” Rowe)
Lawrence Rowe (born December 11, 1992 in King's College Hospital, London) grew up in South London. A driven and focussed singer/songwriter, Lawrence has always had the desire to become a successful recording artist. Lawrence studied Music at The BRIT School of Performing Arts and Technology between 2007 and 2011. He is currently studying for a BA Honours in Commercial Music.
Lawrence has had excellent experience as a vocal arranger and guest backing vocalist. He has worked with many acclaimed artists providing backing vocals for amongst others: Heather Small (NSPCC Event, Royal Albert Hall – 2007) Barry Manilow (An Audience with Barry Manilow ITV – 2011 Kym Mazelle (Studio Session Premises Studios 2011)
Lawrence is also an effective and inspirational teacher regularly teaching singing skills and gospel choir in primary and secondary schools.
David Balogun
(aka DavidB)
David Balogun (born May 31, 1988, in Ile-Ife, Nigeria), he moved to the UK and settled in Manchester at the age of 14. He attended the King of Kings School in Manchester. David left medicine behind to embark more seriously on his desire to have a music career. Making that difficult decision he enrolled on a music industry course and is currently completing studies at Canterbury Christ Church University.
With a talent for dance which was evident to those around him when he was 2, David’s earliest recollection of performing live was singing at his Uncle’s wedding when he was 7 years old. In Manchester, David attended a vocal training course led by Elaine Hanley, affiliated with Owen Thomas’ Cultural Fusion, which helped to hone his singing abilities.
Before joining Divine Divine he was known to many as DavidB, a R&B/Inspirational Gospel singer-songwriter, musician, vocal producer, dancer, choreographer, and entertainer. David was also a well-respected member of Manchester’s finest Gospel Choir – Manchester Sing out Choir, under the leadership of Vocal Genius – Wayne Ellington. He has also sung with Grammy Award Winner Joshua Groban and Heather Small.
Nadine Caeser
Nadine Sade Caesar (born January 21, 1988, London) is from North East London where she went to Park View School in West Green.[3]
Charismatic and yet unassuming, Nadine is often to be caught barefoot as she naturally and it seems effortlessly performs, but can equally be spotted in three-inch heals. An eclectic artist, Nadine combines the earthy style of Lauryn Hill with a refreshing London edge. From an early age Nadine was influenced by artist including Roy Ayres, Stevie Wonder and Anita Baker amongst many others.
Primarily trained by her mother who is a professional musician, at the age of 1 or 2, Nadine was “performing” on tour by Julian Buhula with Busiswe Mhlongo. Nadine recalls appearing on stage at the Hackney Empire, aged 10. Nadine has also been taught and mentored by other accomplished musicians such as the lyricist Ty, soundscapist Eska Mtungwazi[4] and singer/songwriter Michelle Escoffery. Nadine is currently studying towards an English degree.
Neresa Maye
Neresa Maye was born and grew up in South East London. She started singing at a tender age, mainly at church events and later on with amateur pop and gospel groups.
Neresa has a wealth of experience to draw upon. She has many live performances under her belt and has collaborated with artists as varied as Boney M, Imagination, 3T, Coolio, D'Ream and Beverley Knight. One of the main highlights of her career was performing at the Palais Omnisports de Paris in Bercy, Paris, before an audience of 16,000 people, with a TV viewership of over 6 million.
Neresa is currently a member of the London Community Gospel Choir (LCGC), performing as a Lead Vocalist as well as in the Ensemble. Again she has worked with a varied range of artists, from Brian May (Queen) and Lulu to Madonna, and has travelled extensively with LCGC, throughout the UK and Europe, Russian, Lebanon and the Caribbean. Neresa took part in the National Theatre production of The Amen Corner in 2013 in the church choir scenes and has appeared on the BBC and ITV.
Neresa is keen to extend her musical experience. and to uplift all who hear her with her richly seasoned voice, and to convey a message that will inspire hearts and minds.