Exposed Vocals Interviews ‘Dengiyefa’

Who Is Dengiyefa ?

http://www.dengiefagospelmusic.com/music–video

Dengiyefa Akene pronounced Dengiefa is a gift to this generation, anointed for a unique sound that breeds from Heaven. For Dengiyefa it all started when he moved to Canada in 2010. He was flying for the first time abroad from his home country, Nigeria. He was 18 years old when making the decision to travel across the world to study in the Computer Systems Technician Program at Mohawk College. He always loved gospel music from a young age. Dengiyefa loved the drums and that was the first instrument he played. His future goal was to be a gospel artist so that he could proclaim God’s name all over the world. However, this was intended to happen after he was done school, had a job and got married but “Gods ways are not our ways, in the midst of our plans for our life God has His own agenda for us and we ought to be obedient and sensitive to where He is leading” – Dengiyefa . He started his ministry in September 2013, while still studying. His first rehearsal with the band was where he met his beautiful wife Victoria Akene and they got married in October of 2014. Through life’s struggles God connected Dengiyefa to different helpers of destiny that encouraged him to push through to fulfilling Gods plan for his life. Dengiyefa began to compose his own songs and in the space of 2 years he had written over 60 songs. He would get songs while leading worship or going through a trying time or season. “The storm is not what’s important in this journey but the lesson learnt through the storm” – Dengiyefa.
God has shaped Dengiyefa over the years and continues to do so with the trials and tribulations he faces every day. God paved the way for Dengiyefa to have his first live recording in August of 2015 titled

“GOD’S GOT ME COVERED” and God’s name was glorified in this event. Dengiyefa looks forward to the assignment and call upon his life to be a blessing to this generation and beyond.

Exposed Vocals: So tell us your story. Where did you grow up? What made you decide to become an artist?

Dengiyefa: I was born and raised in Nigeria, Port Harcourt city to be precise. I am the youngest of 7 siblings. I grew up in the church and loved the sound of gospel music. I also was in the choir and different bands as a drummer and didn’t really get a lot of singing roles but deep down I wanted to be a gospel singer. I decided to be a gospel singer because I wanted to be a voice to nations with a unique sound that breeds from heaven.

Exposed Vocals: How did you come up with that name? What was your inspiration behind it?

Dengiyefa: My full name is Dengiyefa Akene but pronounced Dengiefa. I wanted my name to be associated with the sound of gospel music because my sound is unique and different I thought to myself “Why not put your name together with the sound you are associated with?” So I came up with DengiefaGospelMusic.

Exposed Vocals: What do you think about online music sharing? Do you ever give your music away for free? Why?

Dengiyefa: Well I think the world has gone digital with everything online and that’s the best part because you can reach a wider audience despite their backgrounds and culture. I think online music sharing is a great idea and even a better way for indie artist like myself to get our work out there. I recently released my new single titled RIVER OF WORSHIP and its only $0.99, however I look forward to releasing songs that will be free to my supporters and the public at large.

Exposed Vocals: Since everyone was a start-up once, can you give any smaller or local bands or artists looking to get gigs and airplay some tips?

Dengiyefa: For me what’s most important is putting God first in everything I do not just because I am a Christian but because there is an understanding that He gave me this gift and talent so it has to be used to maximize His glory. Also your brand as an artist is important and being true to who you are because people will connect to the real you and not someone else you are trying to be.

Exposed Vocals: Do you ever make mistakes during performances? How do you handle that?

Dengiyefa: Everyone makes mistakes and that is a reminder that we are human but it’s more important for me that when I make mistakes I learn from them. It’s a sign that I am growing and discovering more about who I am.

Exposed Vocals: Do you tour? Anything interesting happen on tour that you think our readers would enjoy hearing about?

Dengiyefa: I have been invited to churches and events in my country of residence, which is Canada, also to churches in the United States. It’s always a humbling experience for me when I am called to be a blessing to people in this capacity. I think what’s interesting for me on these events is the feedback. Sometimes I feel my ministration was not as good as I wanted it to be but the feedback I get is always positive ones of how people were blessed by my gift. I think that is always interesting when that happens.

Exposed Vocals: Where do you usually gather songwriting inspiration? What is your usual songwriting process?

Dengiyefa: Song writing for me has turned out to be one of my favorite things and I love doing it. The process usually starts with a word of prayer in hopes the song will bless the hearts of people who will listen. Sometimes it’s literally minutes and a full song is written. My inspiration for writing comes from the trials and challenges I have faced growing up as a child and transitioning to an adult. The many miracles God has brought me out of and through, inspires me to write.

Exposed Vocals: Do you have a band website? What online platforms do you use to share your music?

Dengiyefa: I have an artist website which is www.dengiefagospelmusic.com. I have an account with cdbaby which lets me distribute my songs to platforms like iTunes, Spotify, Tidal and a lot more.

Exposed Vocals: If you were given half a million dollars and a year off, what would you do? How would you spend it?

Dengiyefa: Hmmm I would definitely invest the money into different streams but most importantly will donate some of it to the Canadian Diabetes Association and Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

Exposed Vocals: Any planned studio upgrades? What are you working with now?

Dengiyefa: I have a studio in my house where I currently live and I have an Apollo twin duo audio interface and some good mics and musical instruments.

Exposed Vocals: How do you find ways to promote your music? What works best for you?

Dengiyefa: Online platforms and social media are a great way of promoting music but the help of your supporters go far with sharing my music.

Exposed Vocals: If you could perform anywhere and with any artists (Dead or Alive) where and who would it be with? Why?

Dengiyefa: A bunch of names come to mind but for my style I would say William McDowell, Israel Houghton, Todd Galberth and Todd Dulaney. The reason would be the connection I get with God under the sound of their ministry, it’s refreshing and that is something I want to emulate. I would like to perform anywhere really. I am open to where ever God leads me.

Exposed Vocals: So, what’s next? Any new upcoming projects that you want to talk about?

Dengiyefa: I am having my single released on the 15th of October but anyone can still get it right now using this link http://www.dengiefagospelmusic.com/music–video though my website. I am also working on my album which should be out sometime next year. Will keep you posted for that one.

Exposed Vocals: If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing?

Dengiyefa: I will love to chill at home and get paid lol just kidding. I will either be in the house flipping market and real estate business or as a realtor.

Exposed Vocals: Do you remember buying your first album? Who was it? What was going through your head?

Dengiyefa: I have bought so many from iTunes I can’t recall which would be my first.

Exposed Vocals: How do you juggle the rest of your responsibilities while trying to stay ahead in your music life?

Dengiyefa: I am married to my beautiful wife Victoria Akene and recently became a father to our daughter Neriah Faith Akene. I treat this as my ministry and first responsibilities which flows to every other thing I do outside of caring for my family.

Exposed Vocals: What should fans look forward to in 2016?

Dengiyefa: A lot of great music but I will keep it a surprise for now…