S-DEE

S-Dee, born Segun Daramola, has a message to tell. And it’s through the vehicle of music that he’s chosen to spread that message. With a goal of “telling it wherever he goes”, the born again Christian is blessed with a talent for music and a passion for Christ. Hailing from Nigeria, S-Dee has been influenced by his African roots, but what he has to say, or should I say, sing, is a universal truth. The singer, songwriter and producer, whose had the chance to open up for major gospel artists such as Byron Cage, Jonathan Nelson, Martha Munizzi and Ron Kenoly, will be showcasing his gifts on his first national release called No Apology, releasing in the summer of 2011.

Growing up in a Christian home, his musical journey began in the church. At a young age, he joined the choir at the prompting of the group’s director. Searching for males to round out the tenor section, he asked S-Dee to become a part and that was the beginning of his love affair with gospel music. Later, he taught himself the piano and became proficient on keyboards. Desiring to be more than just a good musician, he ultimately dreamed of becoming a great producer. “For me, the pull to create music was so strong,” says S-Dee. “Once I decided that I wanted to produce music, I began developing myself as a singer.” At the same time he was honing his singing skills, he was also being called upon to produce songs for other artists.

While in college, he and a few friends formed a group and his singing career took flight. They recorded and played a number of gigs around Nigeria and the group saw nominal success. As the key songwriter of the group, not only was S-Dee able to pen songs for the group, but he was able to experience the audience’s reaction to his music as well. He began to see that he could really make something of his music, but he also realized that it would be difficult to do in his homeland.

S-Dee says he left The Motherland to travel to America for one simple reason. “Opportunities,” says S-Dee, “that’s why I decided to come to America. There are so many more opportunities here for me to pursue my passion of music and to grow my music ministry. Also, I love the style of music here in the States.” Not only did he come to the US to chase his dream, but he also desired to complete his Masters Degree in Finance.

Once arriving in the USA, he found what would become his church home, Jesus House Baltimore. The Pastor, Tola Oduola, embraced his talents there. The artist says, "Pastor Tola basically handed me a world of growth opportunities. There are not many pastors who give up their pulpit without being intimidated by what you could ever become in life," he continues. S- Dee not only led praise and worship after joining the choir, but he eventually became the Minister of Music. His new role was the next step in his journey as he pursued his purpose as an artist and full-time music ministry.

It was an about-face for the polished musician who originally thought he would be singing the world’s music. “Originally, when I started my music career, I thought I would be singing secular music,” says S-Dee. “But as my relationship with Jesus Christ grew and as I got closer to Him, I realized that everything I do has to reflect that also. What a singer sings is a reflection of their belief system. I needed to sing what I believed.” That’s when he put down his dreams of becoming a superstar and picked up the cross vowing to share Christ with others through song.

Heavily influenced by the R&B stars of the 80s and 90s including groups like Boyz II Men and Jodeci, S-Dee’s sound is thick with urban grooves and slick production. “My music isn’t for inside the church walls or during times of corporate worship, necessarily,” shares S-Dee. “My music is for people to listen to after church and outside of the church building. My music is an alternative to the secular lyrics of today’s R&B. I am giving the Christian a positive alternative.”

His musical ability will be on full display with the summer 2012 national debut of No Apology. The first single dropping from the upcoming release, “Season of Change”, is an up-tempo, feel good track. S-Dee believes it’s pure inspiration. He says, “’Season Of Change’ is a song of encouragement. It’s sung to someone who doesn’t believe things are going to change.” The track is memorable one with a catchy hook and an empowering point. “Everything Falls”, penned by Steve Fee, reminds the listener to hold on in spite of what the world may bring their way. It’s a song of determination and fortitude. S-Dee feels the song is perfect for the person who may have a hard time finding God during the tough moments in life. One listen and you’ll see exactly what he means.

The artist also performs a tasteful remake of Sidewalk Prophets’ hit, The Words I Would Say. Although he provides a soulfulness that’s not present in the original recording, S-Dee still sticks with the integrit