FIVE MINS WITH DANILEIGH
WHILE SOME OF us were only brave enough to do a couple of routines in front of the mirror, R&B hitmaker Danileigh embarked on a professional dance career at the age of 12. Sashaying into providing moves for artists including Nelly Furtado during live gigs was therefore just a natural progression as a teenager. When it came to singing, the pathway to stardom was a little more incremental. It began with posting covers of famous songs on Youtube at 14. The output must have hit a chord, though, because a few years later the tunes combined with various originals caused the legend Prince – seriously Prince - to reach out by email and ask her to write and direct his video for
Breakfast Can Wait. That’s right, at the same time we were still trying to perfect some basic steps, or confining our singing to (at most) an empty car with the radio turned up, Danileigh was off to helm a production for an icon at just 18 years old. From there the now 23-year-old US musician of Dominican descent has never looked back. Last year Danileigh signed for Def Jam records. With an album, Summer with Friends, to her name and hit singles including Lil Bebe, she comes to Dubai this Saturday to be presented by Puma at Sole DXB and treat d3 to what she does best.
What is the best gig you have experienced to date and what made it so special?
The best gig was the Tidal show. It was my first show with 10,000+ people in the iconic Barclays Center in New York.
How do you describe your sound to people who are yet to discover your tunes? What made you settle on your genre and would you ever change it?
I believe I have a versatile sound. I tap into R&B, hip hop, and Latin. I wouldn’t change my sound because it defines who I am.
Your music has got some huge celebrity endorsement for artists including Drake and of course Prince, how did/does that feel?
It feels incredible. It gives me confirmation that I was meant to do this.
Can you tell us how you felt being contacted by Prince that first time and then working with him? How much of an inspiration was he for you?
The first time he reached out, I didn’t believe it was him! Working with him was such a pleasure, he believed in all my ideas. He was a huge inspiration for me regarding his hard work, dedication and confidence.
Who do you like listening to at the moment and why them?
I like listening to Jay Critch because his flow and topics are dope. Gunna and Lil Baby always have the vibes.
What have you got planned for Sole DXB? Have you been to Dubai before?
I’m looking forward to seeing the lifestyle, music and art. I’m super excited to meet new people from out there. I have never been to Dubai. It has always been a dream of mine to go there. I think Dubai is so beautiful.
When was the first time you realised you were going to make it big? Starting off in the mainstream industry dancing, would a career solely as a dancer have been enough for you?
The first time was when I started seeing people like and follow my music. All you need as an artist is fans. My pinch yourself moment was at a show in Santa Ana. There was a little girl going crazy and singing all my words. I gave her the mic and she performed and the 800+ room all yelled with joy. A solely dancing career wouldn’t have been enough for me. My purpose was to spread a message through my music.
What is that message?
I believe as artists we have a job to inspire people through what we say: my message is always motivational.
How far do your Dominican roots inspire your music?
I believe my roots inspire my music totally. I was raised with music in my house blasting and dancing. All that is a part of my character.
What would make a dream 2019?
For the holidays I will be with my family and next year, for my dream 2019, I want to win the Best New Artist Grammy and I want my album to break me further.
Sole DXB is on for three-nights, two-days on December 6, 7 and 8. The music lineup includes Queensbridge rapper Nas on Saturday. On Friday, adidas originals will present rapper Giggs. Within the PUMA space Masego will make a UAE debut on Friday. Joining Saturday’s line-up is Lion Babe, and one of the industry’s first female rappers, Roxanne Shante. Dev Hynes, better known as Blood Orange, presented by PUMA, will take to the main stage on Friday. Supporting Friday’s main stage will be Slowthai, as well as South Africa’s rising star Sho Madjozi. Tickets now on sale at www.soledxb.com/tickets.
The first time he (Prince) reached out, I didn’t believe it was him! Working with him was such a pleasure,”
Danileigh