BIOGRAPHY
THE SOULFUL FUSION OF AFROISM AND JAZZ
Dapo Dina is an international jazz pianist, and composer hailing from Nigeria. His energetic and mindful compositions celebrate the fusion of cosmopolitan ideas with Afrikan spirituality. His work defines a concept music that incorporates Afroism into Jazz.
Dina grew up in a musical household where his love for the art began. His family relocated from Nigeria to South Africa to start a new life. Initially trained as a classical pianist, Dina discovered a greater Jazz culture there and was inspired to master his skills as a jazz pianist. Dina said “he decided to create his own style of music, defined as Yoruba Jazz”. Drawing on his influences from Herbie Hancock, Richard Bona, Danilo Perez, and Chick Corea encouraged his new journey. Dina encountered internationally renowned jazz artists such as Danilo Pérez, Judith Sephuma, Pops Mohammed, Jimmy Dludlu, George Duke, Jonathan Butler, and Themba Mkhize. Moreover, he has crossed genre lines and worked with pop and gospel artists such as Lira, Uche, KB, Lagbaja, Kunle Ayo, HHP, Revolution, Thandiswa, Lulu, and Sleek Angel. Dina also performed at various festivals such as the Joy of Jazz Festival in South Africa and graduated to the global scene.
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Eventually Dina had an opportunity to move to Berlin, Germany. There he played at mainstream venues such as b-flat and Werkstatt der Kulturen which ultimately inspired his world music sound.
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His desire to come to the US was inspired by someone informing him while on a flight- “he cannot call himself a true jazz musician unless he performed in New Orleans”.
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Currently residing in Atlanta, GA Dina has released his 2nd CD “Radio Play” a great testimony of Dapo Dina’s African roots and performing on the world stage. The compositions are effervescent and vibrant, celebrating diversity in music, life and culture, with a stunning blend of styles and ideas.
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Dina's compositions and playing draw on influences from many sides, yet not forgetting the spiritual and artistic wealth derived from belonging.