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Dahi Divine

About Me

An emerging tenor saxophonist, composer and bandleader whose goal is to explore many different and new musical concepts and styles while rhythmically respecting the tradition of swing. To date his band has performed at several jazz festivals and venues between Philadelphia, New Jersey and New York. His performances ignite audiences with his energetic performances and unique, melodic arrangements of his soulful compositions.

Divine characterizes his music as “soul music”, and his first album project, titled “The Element”, is scheduled for release in early 2015. On this album Divine explores Afro-Cuban influences, along with more advanced and complicated rhythms, with jazz melodies and harmonies that he likes -- woven throughout the songs. His vibe for this band was for each of his musical colleagues to add their part -- and to be that element that makes the formula work.

Divine is undeniably considered a prolific composer. Plus, his skills on the sax earned him a trip to the 52nd Annual Grammy Awards where he performed on the horn line of the Dave Matthews Band, and with the prestigious Grammy Jazz Band selected from students across the country. He received the highest honor from the NAACP for his original composition, “Choices”. His experiences have allowed him to share the stage with many notable and legendary jazz musicians, such as; James Moody, Jimmy Heath, Charles Fambrough, Christian McBride, Auturo O’Farrill, Tim Warfield, Terrell Stafford, Donald Harrison, Bobby Watson, and Reggie Workman.

Dahi will graduate from the New School of Jazz and Contemporary Music in 2015. His jazz education began with some of Philadelphia’s most distinguished jazz musicians and programs; Larry McKenna, Settlement Music School, Philadelphia Clef Club of Jazz Student Ensemble, Tommy Grice of the Mt. Airy Cultural Center and the Kimmel Center.

In his spare time you can find Divine conducting master classes at Settlement Music School, a program he attended as a young person. Divine also works with other PA and NJ-based, inner-city music programs where resources are scarce and music provides young people with a refreshing distraction from the violence and social problems that plague their communities.