No stranger to the music scene and especially the UK Afrobeats scene, Docta Dee has been blessing us with nothing but hits since he first entered the music scene in 2012.
Afrobeats City caught up with Docta Dee to find out about his new mixtape The Antidote, how he stayed positive during lockdown and more.
Who is Docta Dee and how did you get into music?
Docta Dee is a songwriter who grew up in the church and grew up around music. Everyone calls me Docta Dee, it is a nickname I grew up with in my area. I originally grew up in Blackheath but moved to Kent.
Docta Dee also comes from my Dad being a Pastor with a Doctorate and the nickname stuck with me for the rest of my life. It has been hard to shake off but it has served its purpose in terms of helping people and trying to provide a solution to my music.
In 5 words how would you describe your musical style?
Good vibes, positive, reflective, fun, and vibrant
You recently released your new album “The Antidote”, how did you come up with the name for the album and what was the creative process behind the album?
The Antidote is a very special project for me because during this time of COVID and the pandemic, I thought about me being Docta Dee what can I do for my people. So many people lost their jobs or are going through a lot of things with their family, what can I do to try and lift their spirits and provide hope so that is what The Antidote is, it’s reminding people that the solution comes from within themselves. I put a bit of my story and pain so that I can try to influence and have an impact on someone else’s life.
My favourite song off the album is “For A Bit”, what is your favourite song off the album?
“For A Bit” for me is a banger, I like it because it’s different, it’s trap. It was actually a freestyle I was messing around with so I’m glad you said that.
My Personal favourite is “Smile”, it hits home and touches the surface of what I have been through during this lockdown as well. I also sampled an old school church song in there “This Little Light Of Mine”. Stuff like that makes me want to listen to the song every single day.
Do you think growing up in the church influences you in terms of music, I know you don’t do gospel music but in terms of the way you incorporate your faith into your music?
Yes big time, my faith is very much my everyday life and struggles. All the pros and cons that comes with living, I try to reflect that in my music, even though I do not solely do gospel music, I just try to uplift people through my music. I know my parents would love me to do gospel and my dad will promote me widely, but I am just trying to find my own feet and take it as it comes.
Your new single “Sidekick” featuring Ka’Reema gained over 50k views in the first week of its release which is amazing, was you expecting that sort of reaction to the song?
I was and I was not because I knew that I was going to release it on my own channel and push it myself. I tried to use all the resources possible so when I released the first video “Payroll”, I kind of engaged that people were not expecting me to fire them with visuals. I went abroad to shot the video and two weeks late I dropped “Sidekick” and I knew that song was that radio, Afroswing type of song that is strong at the moment.
Ka’Reema is an amazing artist who added that extra vibe and we have just been pushing it and pushing it and thankfully I’m seeing good views on my own channel and I am going to keep pushing it until everyone is playing it. I am happy that we can pat ourselves on the back, but the work continues.
Did the recent lockdown affect your music plans for 2020 or do you feel that you were able to still achieve your plans?
It affected my plans in a good way, I normally release one single a year traditionally or like a major video. I pushed an EP at the start of the year called The Life Of The Party and then I thought I was done but being on lockdown and losing my job, I was able to make the best out of the situation. I went to the studio, I was able to song write and then I produced the video for, “For A Bit”, “Payroll” and “Sidekick” so in all there are about 4-5 visuals that have been out since January. I saw myself being more pro-active and hungry. All my friends in the music business are doing their things and it inspired and encouraged me to do it at my pace. I realised I was doing it at my pace but putting in a lot of work as well.
Due to lockdown rules you currently can’t do any live shows but have you done any instalives or online shows?
I have done a few lives called The Consultation in the theme of going to your GP or Doctor and the response and feedback was real good so I am going to keep doing that. I would love to throw a little live party once we get all clear in terms of the lockdown. I might do a few intimate live shows and put it out there, they are some ideas that I have in the pipeline.
What is something you learnt early on in your career that has helped shape your career?
“Don’t Wait For Nobody, Don’t Sit Around”. Do not expect anything and have a clean heart. You might do something for someone they might not do it for you but it doesn’t mean there is beef or no love. I know I have been designed and created in a special way to always go over and beyond for people and it may not be returned but just have a good heart and wish everyone well.
Understand your audience but give them what they want. I love R&B but when I asked the question on my Instastories a lot of my followers love the Afroswing stuff, I have to find the balance. For The Antidote, I made sure there was a balance of R&B, Afro-fusion, Trap and Drill. I was able to give them a dose in that project.
What is one message you would give to your fans?
A message that has saved my life is “Learn To Dance In The Rain”. No matter what you’re going through just find the positive and appreciate what you have, dance in the rain. If you can dance in the storm with the cloud over, then you will celebrate in the sunshine when the rain goes out. I try to stay happy and smiling especially during this time.
What is next for Docta Dee?
I have a single outside of the project, it should have been on the project but I wanted to take my time so it should be out in a few weeks. Visuals to follow as well.
I have also been writing for other people so their stuff is coming out and then I have another project at the end of the year. I thought 2020 was cancelled but God has other plans for me, so I’m going to keep working and keep going at my own place
Just for fun, fill in the blanks…
Without music, I would be…Stuck in finance or have my own business
My current favourite song is…Docta Dee – Smile
My favourite song to perform is… Flex N Finesse ft AdeJosh
My dream artist(s) to collaborate with is…Konan - his amazing on hooks and an ear for melodies. But I work with so many artists that I work with and respect. AdeJosh is one of my favourite artists of all times. That’s my bro
Support Afrobeats because… Its authentic, it’s raw, energetic and it’s home. That is why it’s key to support it especially being from the UK but know your roots, it’s so important. I’m happy that we have the UK Afrobeats chart and there are so many opportunities and so many people that are pioneering the movement. So as an African, Nigerian in the UK especially with a lot of Caribbean friends I have never been so proud of our music, the quality of the visuals, the sound even from Nigerian artists and artists here. The progression since 2012/2013 has been massive and to be a part of that I am so proud.
Follow @Officialdoctadee on Instagram | @DoctaDee on Twitter
This interview was conducted by Shade A (@shardeya) / Afrobeats City doesn’t own the rights to the image used.
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