If asked about singer Dimeji, a lot of people would react: “Who?” However, all that is about to change…
A dynamic gospel artist, a prolific singer-songwriter, outstanding guitarist, vocal arranger and a profound producer, Dimeji is a man of immense potential, showcasing an eclectic style that combines elements of jazz, funk, Gospel rhythms, Blues, R&B, and his African heritage. He is a man who is undoubtedly characterised by many who know him as being meticulous, extremely passionate and a perfectionist.
Born in Nigeria, Dimeji migrated to the UK in his late teens. His musical journey began with the drums at the tender age of 6, later finding his forte in guitars when he was 8, owing to an ankle injury that hindered him from playing drums for years. The guitar had since become his favorite and main instrument, coupled with a firm belief in his calling. “In my entire life I have never desired to be anything else other than a music minister of the Gospel of Christ’’
Dimeji says, “No doubt, I have had many discouragements along the way, particularly from people who are closest to me, friends and families, people who genuinely love and cared about me and wanted the best for me. Some of them out of fear that I might fail tried to talk me out of holding on and pursuing what only I, for a long season in my life believed I was born to do. Nevertheless, in spite of the disapproval of many who surrounded me, the scorn and reproach from those who didn’t really think much of me or believe my dream, somehow I still found strength to carry on. I just could not be swayed. The more they tried, the more adamant I became and the more I wanted to prove them wrong. Now in retrospect, it is crystal clear to me that that was God’s way of hiding me away until His appointed time to reveal me. I also now believe that it was also God’s divine strategy to use the rejections that I faced as a pruning tool to get me to work harder at becoming a master of my craft and to also shape my character’’.
Dimeji, who has had several invitations to play secular music, but turned them down, says “being very cognisant of my calling put a restraint on me from accepting those invitations. This also for me is my emblem of worship to God, the very source of my gifts and my wellspring of inspiration”.
As a musician he has worked with artists like Ron Kenoly, Jesse Dixon, Helen Baylor, Alvin Slaughter, to name a few, as well as a number of UK based gospel artists. He also worked for a number of years as a choir trainer and a vocal coach within the London area. He is an exceptional choir director and one of the highlights of his choir directing experience was with the Redeemed Festival of Life Choir in London. He is the music director and a Worship leader in his local church. He has a BA (HONS) Degree in Recording Arts from SAE Institute, London.
Dimeji’s vision as an artist is to make people see beyond a brilliantly written and arranged music, or the skilful performance of anointed musicians and singers, and see nothing else but JESUS, the very essence of that music! Dimeji says most of his songs are born out of his own personal life experiences. His debut single recording ‘WEN DA PRAISE GOES UP’ is due for release in November/December 2009.
Before retiring to music full time, Dimeji was an interior and spatial designer/decorator. In his free time he likes to play football, watch movies, and also enjoys cooking. He is married and blessed with a son. He loves the word of God and he is easily turned on by scripture-based discussions. His ultimate desire is to have an intimate relationship with God and become a better worshiper with each day that passes by.
“My personal mantra, which also is a constant refrain, however many times I get on my knees to pray is: ‘God is my strength, my glory and the lifter of my head’.
