Gospel rap princess Dee reveals what guides her decisions

DIANA KIAMBA, 23, popularly known as DEE ventured into a territory few ladies dare — Rap music. SHIRLEY GENGA caught up with her to unearth what guides her decisions.

Generation Next: Can you list some singles to your credit?

Dee: I have three singles; I’m a star, Victory dance and Wannabe  featuring Holy Dave.

GN: For how long have you been rapping and when did you realise that you had the skill?

Dee: I actually did not grow up listening to rap. I was more drawn to song listening to artistes like Mary Mary, Kirk Franklin and Cece Winans. I found out I could rap in 2009 when I bumped into gospel rapper A-Star’s album that inspired me so much that I began memorising and rapping along to his songs. After rapping along for a while, I fell in love with genre and was more elated to learn that I could actually ‘spit out’ my own compositions. The rest as the adage goes is history.

GN: When did you eventually garner confidence to make your skill public?

Dee: I had recorded a number of songs, but in 2011, I recorded my first official single that I felt was worthy of release. It made the cut and on January 5, 2012, the record went public.

GN: How would you describe your sound?

Dee: I can best describe it as gospel urban music. I believe my sound is unique and different compared to what every other gospel artist is doing.

GN: Why gospel music and not secular?

Dee: I chose to do gospel music because I am a born again Christian. I am here to minister and spread the gospel of hope.

GN: Are you currently signed on to any music label?

Dee: I am independent at the moment.

GN: It seems easier to make it when you are signed to a known music label as opposed to being an independent artist. Why have you decided to go it alone?

Dee: I differ a bit with that note. When I started out, I only knew God. All you need is God’s favour and anointing to connect you to your music destiny helpers.

GN: What inspires your content?

Dee: Not to sound like a zealot, but in all honesty, I do not rely on my own strength and ideas, I get it all from my father in Heaven.

GN: Most female rappers tend be tom boys, do you fall in the tom boy category or are you the girly type or both?

Dee: (Laughs) I am both in real life. My dressing, for instance, usually varies and depends on what type of music I am doing. When I am rapping I am the tom boy, but go into girlie mode when I am singing.

GN: Which producers have you worked with so far and who do you aspire to work with?

Dee: I have worked with audio producers Teddy B, Saint P and Mgangez. Cream Vision’s Blessed Joe and J Blessing have had a touch in my videos. I look forward to working with audio producer Jaky B and video producer Sammy Dee in future: I love their work.

GN: Are you in school? If yes, where, and what are you studying? 

Dee: I am a Fourth Year student at University of Nairobi pursuing a Journalism and Public Relations degree.

GN: Tell us a little about Diana?

Dee: I am born and bred in Nairobi.  A Third born in a family of six, I went to St Nicholas Primary School, and Moi Girls’ High School in Nairobi. I was a very outgoing child who performed in all the musicals in school. I also acted a lot in church. Oh! I am also an actress featured in some local TV series.

GN: What television shows have you acted in?

Dee: My first short-lived stint was in Changing times. The show wound up two months after I had gotten the role of Sarah. Sarah was a very interesting character to play — a young irresponsible and selfish lady living with her elder sister. She gives birth to a baby, but still insists on going out to party with friends leaving her a baby under her sister’s care. I then got contracted by Tahidi high for about three years playing attitude-oozing Isabella (laughs). I also acted in Briefcase Inc. in a supporting role.

GN: So you can rap, sing, act, plus you are in your final year of school? How do you balance all these?

Dee: Both education and music is important to me. I have had to learn how to balance the two. I create time and place my priorities right.

GN: What do you do for fun?

Dee: I hit the movies for fun, I also enjoy travelling, sitting around trading experiences and stories with pals over good food.

GN: Where do you see yourself in the next five years?

Dee:I would love to go to another country and try and make a name for myself in the music industry and movie industry like Lupita Nyong’o. Then after I have spread my wings and pushed my talents, I intend to come back home and work in the media.

GN: When can we expect new single from you or an album?

Dee: My new single drops, hopefully, in March. Look out for it.