Description
DeeVah is 24-year-old established and internationally recognised Singer, Songwriter, Performer, Independent Recording Artist, Producer, Composer, Theatre Actor and trained Ballet and Jazz Dancer.
She completed her training in Musical Theatre (Music/Singing, Dance, Acting) at the renowned New York Film Academy Institution in New York City (USA) in December 2016 where she received a scholarship to complete her studies. DeeVah loves performing and entertaining, taking on the stage and spotlight in her own authentic way. She is a fully experienced and well-rounded live performer and does so with her two-piece vocal and piano band, alongside her music director and Piano player, Mbuso Ndlovu as well as her full performance band that accompanies her upon request, for big performances and wide audiences which perform under the name DeeVah.
Beyond that, she has been performing locally and internationally at an array of venues and events/ occasions with various duos, bands, orchestras and individuals for over a decade (10 years), who share the same artistic and musical vision as she does. Dee also writes and co-producers all of her original material and has been blessed enough to share her story and entertain the masses through her music. Across the years, Dembe has been nationally selected to attend an assortment of locally based international conferences, talent showcases, workshops and masterclasses that have contributed to her knowledge and career within the arts. Amongst many notable performances, she has performed for the President, his excellency - Jacob Zuma, in Pietermaritzburg for the Jano Zuma Foundation launch.
Upon that, Dembe was also part of the successful and well known acoustic duo band with a guitarist called Trung Le and they went by the name ''DeeVah & Trung Unplugged''. They have been performing together in 2014, around Gauteng and have recorded their original music and covers as well. In doing this, she has increased her musical growth, artistic repertoire and it has helped her create a versatile name for herself. DeeVah also runs a innovative and upcoming Media and Publishing company called Bonafide Media (Pty Ltd). She records her original music, collaborates, discovers new talent, learns how to play the piano and guitar and explores the different avenues life has to offer.
DeeVah is currently releasing original music and working on her official Extended Play album. She’s also the resident vocalist for ex- Skwatta Camp member ‘’Infadizle’’ and she also started recording and performing house music in collaboration with Dj/producers & instrumentalist Wandile Dlakude.
DeeVah and OneDee have been receiving recurring airplay on national and international radio stations for their original house compositions which can also be found on iTunes and Traxxsouce (online music stores). They also opened for renowned Dj, Glen Lewis's Birthday party in Witbank. They currently have 4 original songs signed under Salt Shaker Records (Music Group) in California, USA under the direction of house gurus Marcuis Wade and Garry Wallace. ''All I Needed'' , an original song sung and written by DeeVah and produced by OneDee has made its official international debut on the album ''Deep from the Motherland'' - mixed by Dino Michael and Dj Christos. The album is available in all music stores nationwide.
Beyond that, DeeVah is currently in final year of her BA Psychology (HSSS) degree, which she studies through the University of South Africa (UNISA) and will go on to do her Honours in Music Psychology.
Background & Acknowledgments
Dembe has always had a love and zeal for music as a whole. She is a strong product of the Arts and interprets music and performing to be her voice of change and purpose. Thus, she’s so determined to EXPERIENCE, break through and transform the industry as we know it. She is an outgoing, warm hearted and ambitious young lady who isn’t afraid of taking on a challenge and standing up for what she believes in.
She is the influence, not the influenced and has so much to offer her fellow artists, society and the world. Born of Venda culture in Polokwane, Limpopo and raised in Pretoria, Gauteng.
Many different characters, genres, styles and talents impacted her interests and character entirely, including drama and fine art; influencing her personality and passions. Dee was a part of the choir and chamber choir, jazz vocal ensemble as well as leading smaller vocal groups, quartets and ensembles.
Amongst many others, Dembe has received a ''Jazz Musician of the Year'' award at Hudson Park. She was also the jazz vocal ensemble leader, which has performed alongside jazz legends- Kesivan Naidoo, Melanie Scholtz, Kerry Hiles and Shane Cooper. The ‘’Jazz Voices’’ ensemble have also performed at the 2010 National Grahamstown Jazz Festival in the Eastern Cape and Dembe was fortunate to also be a lead vocalist in one of the ensembles created at the Jazz fest, as well as in 2009.
Dembe has always been involved in drama and theatre through all her years at school and found that she resonated deeply with those crafts. Her passion and dedication for drama landed her a Lead role in her high school main theatre production of “West Side Story”. She also received an “Actress of the Year’’ award, and “Best Director” award.
Through all of these great accolades and achievements amongst others- She knows her techniques and experience shall grow. She believes that her love & passion for the arts community is a gift she needs to share across all platforms.
She aims to inform, reach out, empower, motivate and inspire. Every soul that has a voice to be heard. Not just to add value to her immediate environment; But to multiply the exceptional legacies embroidered by generations of musicians, performers, actors, writers and artists. It is simple to grasp that DeeVah is an extraordinary young lady with so much to offer. Her drive and desire for art in every form shall take her a long way. But also with the help of everyone and anyone who believes in her goals, dreams and
talents.
Notable Performance Venues
- Barnyard Theatre – Parkview, Pretoria
- HardRock Café – Pretoria and Johannesburg
- Market @ the Sheds – CBD, Pretoria
- Chicago’s Piano Bar – Randpark Ridge, Johannesburg
- Railways Café - Irene, Pretoria
- Rumours Lounge – Roodepoort, Johannesburg
- Amuse Café – Randburg, Johannesburg
- Arcade Empire – Lynnwood, Pretoria
- Indulgence Café – Randburg, Johannesburg
- Pangaea Lounge – Brooklyn, Pretoria
- The Turnmill – Lower East Side Manhattan, New York City
- Pig’ n’ Whistle – Times Square, New York City
- JAM – Muldersdrift, Johannesburg
- Acoustic Café – Randpark Ridge, Johannesburg
- The Brazenhead – Sandton, Johannesburg
- Club Tennessee – Hatfield, Pretoria
Notable Performances
- Presidential Jano Zuma Foundation Launch: Pietermaritzburg, Kwa-Zulu Natal
- BMW Diplomatic Golf Day: Sarengheti Golf Estate - Johannesburg
- El Camino (The Journey): University of Free State – Bloemfontein
- Tshwane Open Golf Day: Waterkloof Country Club - Pretoria
- A Night With Bluestring Orchestra: The Big Hole – Kimberly
- Keep the Dream Alive: Africa United, South Gate – Johannesburg
- Annual Hall Of Fame Awards: Menlopark – Pretoria
- Brooklyn Design Fair: Brooklyn, Pretoria
- ANC Youth Galla Concert: Bloemfontein
- Agang Sechaba High Tea Charity Event- Auckland Park Country Club – Johannesburg
Gallery
Speciality
Genres: Jazz, Soul, RnB, Acoustic, Pop, Folk/Indie, Deep House, Fusion
DeeVah’s Instruments: Voice, Piano, Guitar
Years Professionally Active (in Music): 9 Years
