With a young Nigerian, called David Balogun, who moved to the UK and settled in Manchester at the age of 14, as part of them, Divine Divine are known to be one of the hottest British vocal gospel group presently.
They began their journey into stardom as the runaway winners of the first Time 2 Shine talent search in 2011. They’ve been giving gospel music a good swim in the mainstream.
Today, Gospel City Naija is giving you a one-on-one iNTRO on them. We promise to premier some of their hit songs soon on this blog.
They are made up of experienced and talented musicians who came together under this project. their drive is not only to use their talent as tools of ministry but also to take gospel music for a swim upstream in the mainstream.
With guidance from the Time 2 Shine organization and Black Grape Global, Divine Divine have honed their craft and recorded their debut album entitled “Edge Street”.
In 2011, all members applied as solo candidates for Time 2 Shine, a talent search which set out to identify individuals who could come together to form the ultimate pop gospel group. Having made it to band camp, Neresa, David and Nadine rose above the challenges of the elimination tasks, initially as individual artists. Through the creative process of the competition Neresa, David and Nadine fused as the group which went on to win the hearts of public and judges alike. Divine Divine was born.
ABOUT THE MEMBERS
David Balogun (aka David B)
David B moved to the UK and settled in Manchester at the age of 14. He attended the King of Kings School in Manchester. David left medicine behind to embark more seriously on his desire to have a music career. Making that difficult decision he enrolled on a music industry course and is currently completing studies at Canterbury Christ Church University.
With a talent for dance which was evident to those around him when he was 2, David’s earliest recollection of performing live was singing at his Uncle’s wedding when he was 7 years old. In Manchester, David attended a vocal training course led by Elaine Hanley, affiliated with Owen Thomas’ Cultural Fusion, which helped to hone his singing abilities. Before joining Divine Divine he was known to many as David B, a R&B/Inspirational Gospel singer-songwriter, musician, vocal producer, dancer, choreographer, and entertainer.
David was also a well-respected member of Manchester’s finest Gospel Choir – Manchester Sing out Choir, under the leadership of Vocal Genius – Wayne Ellington. He has also sung with Grammy Award Winner Joshua Groban and Heather Small.
Nadine Caesar
Nadine Sade Caesar is from North East London where she went to Park View Academy in Tottenham.
Charismatic and yet unassuming, Nadine is often to be caught barefoot as she naturally and it seems effortlessly performs, but can equally be spotted in three- inch heals. An eclectic artist, she combines the earthy style of Lauren Hill with a refreshing London edge. From an early age Nadine was influenced by artist including Roy Ayres, Stevie Wonder and Anita Baker amongst many others.
Primarily trained by her mother who is a professional musician, at the age of 1 or 2 she was “performing” on tour by Julian Buhula with Busiswe Mhlongo. Nadine recalls appearing on stage at the Hackney Empire, aged 10.
Nadine has also been taught and mentored by other accomplished musicians such as the lyricist Ty, soundscapist Eska Mtungwazi and singer/songwriter Michelle Escoffery. Nadine is currently studying towards an English degree.
Neresa Maye
Neresa grew up in South East London attending Myatt Gardens Primary in Brockley, Charlton Manor Primary in Charlton and Kidbrooke Comprehensive in Shooters Hill.
Neresa has a wealth of live performances and collaborations to draw upon. She has undertaken vocal
duties with artists as varied as Boney M, Imagination 3T, Coolio, D’Ream and Beverley Knight. She performed in the M6 Back to the 80’s concert in Palais Omnisports de Paris in Bercy, Paris in front of an audience of 16,000 people.
Neresa is keen to ensure that her music continues to provide excellent ministry and convey messages that will inspire hearts and minds.
Source: GospelCity, Profile and Picture culled from their website: http://www.divinedivine.co.uk/page/bio