Branded a ‘rising star’ by NME and lately making an look on a playlist by the Gorillaz, Deema is set to be a one of 2021’s breakout names.
Quick-witted and humorous, it is straightforward to neglect that the Catford rapper is solely 20-years-old.
Deema first made waves because the youngest member of the Lewisham-based grime collective The Square – which boasted the likes of Novelist, Elf Kid, DeeJillz and Lolingo amongst its former members.
At the age of simply 16, Deema joined The Square by means of hyperlinks from his “one and solely real love” Telegraph Hill Park, in Lewisham.
Branded a ‘rising star’ by NME, Deema is set to be a one of 2021’s breakout names.
There is little doubt that The Square has made its mark throughout the Grime scene, not least for efficiently placing Lewisham Mcdonalds on map with the only ‘Lewisham McDeez’ launched in April 2015.
“I noticed Elf the opposite day really, he was like my mentor,” Deema mentioned. “I used to be telling him how a lot of a blessing it was.”
“They took me to reveals that I wasn’t actually meant to be entering into at aged 15/16.
“I feel The sq. did put Lewisham on the map and I at all times say in the event that they [the originals] hadn’t left it could have been loopy.
“They got here up across the identical time as AJ Tracey they usually have been all going to radio units collectively.
“They took over the top of Boy Better Know (BBK) reveals with Skepta and appeared on Radar Radio– again when radar was a factor.
“They positively had a big effect on Grime and music normally. They’ve introduced some positivity to Lewisham.”
Now branching out on his personal, his debut EP ‘CHEW YOUR FOOD’ is produced by, fellow Square alumni, Dom Valentino and options the likes of South East London rapper David Armada.
The seven monitor EP showcases Deema’s versatility and is proof that he is, as he raps in a single monitor, “dropping bangers out of SE4”.
In the monitor RAT RACE, his favorite on the EP, Deema feedback on the truth of looking at cellphone screens and dwelling in a rat race.
“Before I began releasing songs, I didn’t even have any social media presence. Social media is positively useful and I’m positive if I didn’t have it I won’t be the place I’m, but it surely is a blessing and a curse.”
Dom Valentino (left) and Deema
He admits that he does really feel the strain of social media and his generations must “have all of it” by your 20s.
“You can write right here ‘Deema regarded actually burdened,’” He laughed. “The strain is on.”
Born in Peckham, actual title Dillon Roe-Edema attended Hollydale Primary School in Nunhead earlier than shifting to the Brockley and Telegraph Hill space.
His background has a transparent affect all through his music, from apparent references – one monitor on the EP is merely titled SE4 – to extra vital social commentary in RAT RACE and DEAD WEIGHT.
For secondary college Deema attended Haberdashers Askes – a music specialist college in New Cross that boasts singer-songwriter Katy B amongst its notable former college students.
It was right here that he was launched to members of The Square but it surely was by means of the native park that he was first found as an artist.
“I can’t lie, me and my buddies have been all super-fans of The Square and we might copy their bars, till we finally began making our personal,” he mentioned.
Deema with David Armada (left)
“Blakie [a member of The Square] got here by means of the park one time and regardless that we have been his youngers, he favored what he heard.
“He took me to Flex FM, which was a pirate radio station on the time, the place The Square have been doing a set that day and he let me take part.
“I acquired my first reload and that was the start of all of it.
“It was all began as a result of of the park.”
Deema additionally presents a radio present on the Peckham-based station Balamii titled Southside Selection, that encompasses a vary of artists from throughout South London – and typically past.
Currently on pause through the Coronavirus pandemic, Southside choice showcases a combine of grime, hip-hop, RnB and drum and bass tracks with completely different company each month.
Watch out for Deema’s new single referred to as “Can I?” Coming out on the twenty ninth of April. You can observe him on Instagram for updates through @swearthatsdeema
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