Interview: Deiveed

One of the lines of TY Bello’s song, We are the Future, says ‘The Future is here’ You would agree more as you read this exclusive interview with my friend and upcoming gospel artiste, David Adeyemi, known on the music stage as Deiveed.

Deiveed recently won the MTN “NEXT TO BLOW” music competition and for him, the future is not just here but very brightly so.

1. Who is Deiveed in one sentence?
Deiveed is a Singer, song writer, Recording Artiste and a committed, passionate and dedicated God lover.

2. You seem to be a natural achiever. From graduating with First Class Honors last year to winning the MTN “NEXT TO BLOW” music competition. Do you experience effortless success?

(Laughs softly)...Well, I feel very, very humbled by your words...... They make me to reflect and thank God once again for these 'relative' parameters of success.

And as regards effortless success.... (Pauses and laughs softly again)... I don't think I experience effortless success, nevertheless, I only think I experience what appears or seems to be effortless success.
Because the truth is...there is no success without the input of hard work (effort).


3. People who graduate with First Class Honors in Economics should be future Finance Ministers, Central Bank Governors, Professors of Economics, and the like. What are you doing in music?

... (Laughs loudly this time around)... Well, I guess mine is a case of Calling and Gift (talent) prevailing over my Course and Grades.

It would have been a great achievement to serve as the finance minister, a renowned professor or the CBN governor but the place of calling is much higher than all.

Economics, I admired and had to learn, but singing, I have passion for and hence the natural drive...

And it is that natural drive, backed up by the calling that made me to end up in music...


4. How would you describe your type of music?

1) Message is purely gospel
2) Motive is reconciliation to God and a drive unto his ways
3) Style is hip hop, dance hall and Urban gospel......with the aim of majorly making the church dance.



5. How much would you say music has contributed to our world?

Well, as a matter of fact music used to give a lot more to the world than it is doing right now... not because music has failed but because of misuse.

Music used to be the "artistic voice of the people" In fact, music still gives a lot to our world... it's just that these days money, commercialization and the need for the "in-thing" has eroded the depth of music... leaving it almost very shallow lyrically...while every other aspect seems to improve.

The only time when a musical piece contributes maximally these days is mostly when it comes from an already established source (Artiste) or from an exceptionally bold upcoming Artiste.

So, in essence, music has contributed, yes... but it's no longer contributing as much as it used to anymore.


6. What should we expect from Deiveed?

Deiveed doesn't like to brag.....but he dares to say that he's one of those exceptionally bold ones who know how to blend commercial-bility with lyrical depth and quality (by divine help of course).

Deiveed's brand explores creativity and switch of delivery style backed up by heavenly inspiration.


7. Do you think you can carve a niche in the music industry, both locally and internationally?

Yes, and I say this ambitiously and with faith... (smiles).

The aim is to put quality praises on the lips, and dance to the feet of every living Christian... hence the need to push further to reach the international stage...

I strongly believe that with hard work, discipline, diligence, and Divine backing, “carving a niche" will turn out to be an understatement for the impact that Deiveed will have on the global music scene.


8. What is your opinion on the present state of the Nigerian music industry?

Progressive in most areas... Almost regressive lyrically as only a countable few explore true creativity and meaning to lyrics... And stagnant PR (Public Relations) wise...

But all the same, thumbs up for video quality not necessarily always the content, thumbs up for musical production quality... (It keeps improving)…and thumbs up for the relentless drive to improve (on the part of some Artistes)...who extend their profile internationally, giving the industry a good view from the outside world....


9. You have bagged the MTN “NEXT TO BLOW” music competition prize, what next?

(Laughs softly)...well it’s time to show the world why I was privileged to win right?

First a couple of singles will be released… in anticipation of Reconciliation (I), the first Album.

Then the Album...

Then the international scene will breathe the air of good music, Deiveed style (laughs again)


10. If you were to give a success nugget, what would it be?

(Smiles)... It's the same one I always give... (Culled from "Eat that Frog" by Brian Tracy)...

"IF YOU ARE CLIMBING UP THE LADDER OF SUCCESS...ENSURE IT'S LEANING ON THE RIGHT BUILDING"

Dare! I say, GBAM! ... (Laughs)

You can listen to some of Deiveed’s songs on: www.reverbnation.com/Deiveed

All hope is not Lost

 Unveiling Project Mentor Me

All hope is not lost. There is light at the end of the tunnel… no… no, someone has lit a torch in the tunnel and preparations are being made to lead us out. That was the feeling the Project Mentor Me event, held at Merit House in Maitaima, Abuja, on Saturday the 23rd of February 2013, conveyed. The event, a brain child of a group known as Group of Patriotic Corpers, saw in attendance the Special Adviser to the President on Job Creation, Miss Josephine Washima as well as the Special Adviser to the President on Ethics and Values, Dr. Sarah Jubril.  Also in attendance were NYSC Corps Members, and other young and energetic Nigerians.

It featured a motivational presentation on Leadership by a renowned leadership trainer and consultant, Mr. Linus Okorie. Mr. Okorie in his presentation stressed on the importance of developing the mind power for productivity.  He stated that leadership has a lot to do with the quality of the mind of an individual, saying that greatness does not fall on all who wish to be great but on those who prepare for it. He encouraged everyone present to realize that the outcomes of their lives are theirs to decide, saying “My success is not in the hands of a third party…” In emphasizing the importance of visionary leadership, Mr Okorie commented “When a man does not have a purpose for waking up, sleeping becomes interesting.”

Miss Josephine Washima in her brief presentation stated that successful people are not born but made. She commended the organizers of the programme and thrilled the audience with bits of her personal story and the ‘how’ as regards her becoming the youngest Special Adviser to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Dr. Sarah Jubril, Special Adviser to the  President on Ethics and Values spoke on the importance of good character and the role it plays in the society.

Dr. Sarah Jubril speaking at the event.

In his address, the leader of the Group of Patriotic Corpers, Mr John Okoro, a Corps Member serving in Abuja, expounded on the concept of Project Mentor Me. He announced that the event served as the flag off of what would be a monthly event. He said the idea of Project Mentor Me is to close the gap between young people with ideas and successful elders by creating a platform for young Nigerians to meet with and be mentored by accomplished Nigerians in various works of life. According to Mr. Okoro, the purpose of P.M.M is “To create an avenue for mentorship of Nigerian youths on success through hard work, integrity, and transparency and discourage the quest for success through self aggrandizement…”

It is indeed worth celebrating that the future is not as bleak as many have prophesied. There are young Nigerians such as Mr. Okoro and members his team who have their sleeves rolled up and their hands indeed on deck as regards curing ailing Nigeria. Not to talk of the other young people who chose to attend the event.

There might still be need to worry but there is more of a need to be hopeful and optimistic that the future would be better because there are people ordained and willing to make it so.  Project Mentor Me buttresses my point.