It is evident the first time you hear him sing: that voice . It uniquely and instantly defines him. A voice borne of a world that defies categorisation, where music is both passionate and provocative, both melancholic and reflective. Such is the unmistakable world of Dozie (pronounced Doh-zee-ay), an artist who not only breaks the mold, but for whom no mold was ever made to fit. And while many people are anointing this Nigerian/British newcomer as the heir apparent to Sade, it is that voice that carries him and places him in a category all his own.
There is no better evidence of this than his debut album, a smooth and meticulous mix of soul, jazz, rock, reggae, and traditional African rhythms. From the dueling pianos on "Uwa Ke", to the intricate guitar work on "Gabriel's Lounge", to the pulsating late-night, stir-it-up beat of "Sensuality", his unique musical perspective abounds. "I'm a multicultural person heavily grounded in an African upbringing. It is only natural that my songs reflect that", he says. It is the African upbringing that lays the foundation for his sound, and one that draws the inevitable comparisons to Sade and another one of his countrymen, Seal. These are lofty expectations for sure, but Dozie has never been one to shy away from pressure. After all, his road was not an easy one, and the soul-stirring effort is a testament to the long journey he took to get here.
Born in England to a Nigerian father and British mother, Dozie spent his early years in both the UK and Nigeria, moving to the U.S. with his family when he was a teenager. The plethora of sounds in his family household ranged from Nigerian pop giants like Fela Kuti and Sir Warrior, to South African jazz gurus like Dollar Brand and Hugh Masekela, to classical composers like Handel and Bach. This early exposure permeated his soul with a love of music that would only manifest itself several years later. As he got older, his musical tastes grew even more diverse, ranging from R&B mainstays like the Isley Brothers, to piano maven Tori Amos, to beat-maker extraordinaire Timbaland. His musical interests also grew, and after years singing in choirs, from his church choir in Nigeria to gospel choirs in the U.S., he taught himself to play the piano and later added the guitar to his repertoire. The songwriting came naturally, with his multinational background and diverse cultural influences luminescent in his music.
As his songwriting matured, Dozie began to write and produce more seriously and before long he was on the path to making his first album. It was a journey that would end up taking him 4 years, across 3 continents, and through one of the most trying periods in his personal life. The result was well worth the effort, however, and delivered the dynamic collection of infectious tracks and crafted musicianship that became Redemption. Dozie wrote, produced, and arranged every song on the album, enlisting the help of mega-producer Joel Jaffe along with some of the finest session players in R&B. "I had a very clear vision of what I wanted, and I was lucky enough to find people who could bring it to life", says Dozie. It is no surprise, then, that the well-balanced mix of genres clearly represents his vision. A vision for a sound that not only represents his people and his culture, but is strongly rooted in R&B, his first musical love. If the album is any indication, it seems he got exactly what he wanted, and shows that he is aiming to be placed in the top echelon of international artists. Ultimately, though, it is his voice that once again opens the door to the place where Dozie's light shines brightest. Whether backed by a full band, or solo with just a piano or a guitar, Dozie takes to the stage as if he was born to do nothing else. He explodes into crescendos of emotion, then recoils into whispers of intimacy, fully exploring his 5-octave range. "I just love performing. The energy that I feel from the audience is indescribable", he admits. The audience is not lacking for words to describe Dozie, however, and stories of his live performances are solidifying his reputation as a must-see artist. As he finds himself in the increasing glare of the spotlight, he is modest and introspective. "Ultimately, man, I just make music", he says, "It's what I live for". As well he should. It's been a long road, and this is just the beginning.
