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Deelee Dube

Deelee Dube (/'diːliː 'duːbɛ/) born Sithandile Agatha Dube on the 15th of January is a British vocalist, songwriter, and musician of Southern African lineage.

On November 20th, 2016, Dube became the first British winner and recipient of a Sassy Award at the 5th Annual Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition held at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark, which landed her with a Concord Records contract and a chance to appear at the Montreal Jazz Festival. The panel judges included Sheila Jordan, Dianne Reeves, Christian McBride, Sheila E. Anderson, and Mark Ruffin. Whilst in Newark, Deelee was interviewed by WBGO radio broadcaster Nicole Sweeney prior to her triumph in the Sarah Vaughan Vocal Competition at NJPAC, where she also met and befriended Dorthaan Kirk and Linda Moody (wife of the late jazz saxophonist James Moody) as part of the TD James Moody Jazz Festival held at the NJPAC.

A fraternal twin, Dube was born in London, England to a Zimbabwean fashion designer and famed South African jazz pianist and musician, Jabu Nkosi

Growing up, Deelee and her twin brother would often engage in singing, dancing, and creating music together, and they both took violin lessons as young infants. Deelee often participated in talent competitions and was awarded first prize in a dancing contest at the age of 11, followed by numerous other singing competitions which included the Friday Night Live Talent Selection at the Hackney Empire, London, where she appeared in February 2000. Surrounded by music, particularly by that of their mother's rich and eclectic vinyl collection, Deelee and her twin brother would often indulge by listening and dancing. They both attended school together before she transferred to a girls' school where she continued to practice the violin whilst her twin brother took clarinet lessons. It was whilst she was here that her teacher, Mr. Absolom (Father of British actor Joe Absolom) closely observed and recognised Deelee's passion for creative arts and supported her as she continued to thrive in developing and honing her craft in singing, fine art, songwriting, and poetry.

As a fine artist and poet, Deelee's project artwork was exhibited at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre in May – July 1995, and her poetry was published in Write & Shine Regional Anthology (Poetry Now Young Writers Book, 1995) and the Book of Dreams (United Press, 2010).

Career

2002–08: Self Portrait

A collaborative music venture and project with guitarist John Jallow that formed the genesis of Rainy Day Blues and other original compositions that culminated in Deelee's self-produced EP, Self Portrait

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Tags

35
Album Review

Deelee Dube: Trying Times

Read "Trying Times" reviewed by Chris M. Slawecki


Five years ago, the annual Sarah Vaughan International Vocal Competition named Deelee Dubé its first British winner and (2016) Sassy Award recipient, landing Dubé a spot at the Montreal International Jazz Festival and recording contract for this Concord Records debut. Trying Times marks a major label debut, but Deelee Dubé is no artistic novice. She started violin lessons when she was four and put together her first band when she was fourteen. Her 2016 release Tenderly was produced ...

22
From the Inside Out

Italian Spirits, Dubé Debuts and Chasing (Mahogany) Frogs

Read "Italian Spirits, Dubé Debuts and Chasing (Mahogany) Frogs" reviewed by Chris M. Slawecki


Paul Colombo Group Rio Crystal Vectordisc Records 2020 Rio Crystal is the perfect title for this bright and clear, warm and sunny set led by guitarist Paul Colombo. Its frontline pairs Colombo's nimble guitar with keyboardist Ron Thomas, supported by bassist Andy Alonso and drummer Chris Loser, in a series of jazzy instrumental workouts. It's uncomplicated swing, and the emotional directness and honesty with which the principals play, turn Rio ...

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“Exploring the cello tones that informed her bottom register (and were reminiscent of The Divine One herself)” ~ Downbeat

 

“The British singer wrapped her fine, horn-like sound around the clinching number, scoring heavily with the audience...when it mattered most.” – Downbeat

“Dubé, whose deft...performance pointed to the power inherent in connecting with one’s own unique voice.” - Downbeat

 

'A voice of deep grainy power ... Dubé has a quick-witted musicality' - Daily Telegraph

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Primary Instrument

Vocals

Location

London

Willing to teach

Beginner to advanced

Credentials/Background

Vocal Insight™ Practitioner MA Voice | BA (Hons) Singing Teacher | Voice Coach Private Voice Practice Please visit: https://vocalinsightsingings.wixsite.com/vocal-insight/home Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vocalinsightdeeleedube Thank you!

Photos

Concerts

Jun 15 Sat

Music

Recordings: As Leader | As Sideperson

Trying Times

Concord Music Group
2020

buy

Tenderly

Self Produced
2016

buy

The Blue Bird Sings

Self Produced
2013

buy

Videos

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