Dizzy Dee
{{short description|Zimbabwean reggae singer and songwriter|bot=PearBOT 5}}
{{EngvarB|date=February 2018}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2018}}
{{Infobox person
| name = Dizzy Dee
| image = Desire Sibanda sitting in studio.jpg
| caption = Dizzy Dee in studio
| alt = A portrait photo of Dizzy Dee wearing dark clothing and a fedora.
| birth_name = Desire Sibanda
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|df=y|1985|12|17}}
| birth_place = Triangle, Zimbabwe
| alma_mater = South Eastern College
| other_names = Dizzy
| occupation = {{flatlist|
- Singer
- songwriter
- DJ
- record producer
- record executive}}
| net_worth =
| years_active = 2004–present
| children =
| parents = {{unbulleted list| Danny Sibanda (father) | Lillian Sibanda (mother)}}
| module = {{Infobox musical artist
| embed = yes
| instrument = {{hlist|Vocals|guitar}}
| genre = Reggae
| label = {{hlist|
|VPAL Music
|Soundalize It Records
}}
| associated_acts = {{hlist|
|Don Goliath
|Saralene
|ZJ Heno
|Slicker 1
|Jusa Dementor
|Torch
|Beniton
}}
| website = {{URL|dizzydeemusic.com/}}
}}
}}
Desire Sibanda (born 17 December 1985) is a Zimbabwean reggae singer and songwriter, better known by his stage name Dizzy Dee. He moved to Australia in 2007 and currently resides in Melbourne where he performs and works as a disk jockey on a regular basis.
Born in Collin Saunders Hospital in Triangle, Zimbabwe, Dizzy Dee moved to Australia at age twenty one, where he studied graphic design. After a brief stint as a DJ, he released his first EP U Don't Care in 2008. As a producer he has worked with artists such as Quashani Bahd on her single "That's Why I Love You"{{Citation|title=Quashani Bahd – That's Why I Love You|url=https://soundcloud.com/megavibe-records/quashani-bahd-thats-why-i-love-you|accessdate=28 March 2017}} and executively produced dancehall artist Slicker 1's debut album, Culture Shocked.{{cite web|url=https://itunes.apple.com/au/album/culture-shocked/id1183509388|title=iTunes Music – Culture Shocked by Slicker 1|publisher=iTunes Store}}{{dead link|date=March 2025|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} For Valentine's Day 2017 he released the single "All That I Need"{{cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/au/album/all-that-i-need-feat-pasika-single/1206442144|title=iTunes Music – All That I Need by Dizzy Dee|publisher=iTunes Store}} featuring PASIKA.
Musical career
=2007–2014: ABRA Records, ''U Don't Care'', Soundalize It, "Never See We Fading" and "Overcome"=
Since arriving in Australia he has collaborated with a number of international artists, and has opened for Sean Paul and Richie Spice.{{cite web |url=http://www.dancehallreggae.com.au/artist/dizzy-dee/ |title=Dizzy Dee |author= |website=Dance Hall Reggae |access-date=9 February 2017}}
In 2008 he joined ABRA Records, led by fellow Zimbabwean producer Tawanda Sibotshiwe. ABRA has produced songs for Jamaican artists including Red Rat, Ward 21, Beenie Man, Charly Black and Major Lazer.
Sibanda recorded his first EP U Don't Care in 2008, releasing it in 2009 under ABRA Records. The EP features five tracks: "U Don't Care", "Fuss & Fight", "Achadzoka", and an instrumental mix and an a cappella version of the title track "U Don't Care". The EP was targeted at the zimdancehall community in Zimbabwe, and was made available on CD and by digital download.
In 2014 Sibanda began experimenting with a different sound, roots reggae. After working with Chilean-based producer Kutral Dub on the single "Give Me Love", he became interested in Soundalize It Records, a Romanian label with whom he later signed. He also joined forces with Romanian reggae producer LionRiddims to record the roots reggae tracks "Never See We Fading", "Time Shall Tell" and "Overcome".
Although he started his recording career in 2004, Sibanda's became more widely known in 2014 when he collaborated with Jamaican reggae star Torch, co-writing the song "Thought for the Mind".{{cite news |last=J |first=K |date=16 October 2015 |title=Torch blazes trail with Self Reclaimed |url=http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/Entertainment/Torch-blazes-trail-with-Self-Reclaimed_19233759 |newspaper=Jamaica Observer |access-date=9 February 2017 }} Torch also featured on Sibanda's 2014 single "Never See We Fading".{{cite web |url=http://reggaeforus.com/2016/07/22/dizzy-dee-time-shall-tell-ep-release-reggaeforus |title=Dizzy Dee – Time Shall Tell (EP Release) |author= |date=22 July 2016 |website=Reggae For Us |access-date=16 February 2017}} He also recorded "Overcome" featuring Beniton.
=2015–2016: ''Time Shall Tell'' and VP Records=
After signing a distribution deal with VPAL Music (of VP Records) in 2016,{{cite news |last=Zimoyo |first=Tafadzwa |date=17 May 2016 |title=Zim singer set to sign deal with Jamaican firm |url=http://www.herald.co.zw/zim-singer-set-to-sign-deal-with-jamaican-firm/ |newspaper=The Herald |location=Zimbabwe |access-date=9 February 2017 }}{{cite web |url=http://touchbaseafrica.co.za/?p=4283 |title=Zimbabwe reggae star Dizzy Dee to join VP Records |author= |date=19 May 2016 |website=TouchBase Africa |access-date=14 February 2017}} he released an EP, Time Shall Tell, later that year.{{cite web |url=http://www.mzansireggae.co.za/dizzy-dee-time-shall-tell/ |title=Dizzy Dee |last=Lee |first=M |date=22 July 2016 |website=Mzansi Reggae |access-date=14 February 2017}}{{cite web | url=https://vpalmusic.com/album-music/time-shall-tell-dizzy-dee/ | title =Time Shall Tell – Dizzy Dee | website =NPAL Music | access-date =9 February 2017}} Dizzy Dee joins StoneBwoy and Patoranking as one of the few African born reggae artists signed to the label.
The six-track set gathered musicians and producers from Jamaica, Romania, Canada, United States, (Germany), Australia and Vanuatu to create a contemporary reggae/dancehall-infused sound. The EP also features "Overcome" featuring Beniton, "Stay Focused" with German musician Saralène and "Wake Up & Live" featuring Australian Reggae artist Jah Tung and Tujah from Vanuatu.
The EP debuted at number 2 on the Australian iTunes charts for the roots reggae genre,{{cite web |url=http://www.mzansireggae.co.za/time-shall-tell-dizzy-dee/ |title=Time shall tell |last=Lee |first=M |date=9 June 2015 |website=Mzansi Reggae |access-date=9 February 2017}} and received airtime on local and international radio stations.{{cite web |url=https://www.pbsfm.org.au/node/43777 |title=Playlist for Saturday 4 April 2015 |author= |date=4 April 2015 |website=PBS106.7FM |access-date=16 February 2017}}
=2017–present: ''My Journey''=
In February 2017, Sibanda performed at the 36th Annual Bob Marley Outernational concert as a headline artist alongside Etana and Black Slate. In March he toured with Beenie Man as one of the official supporting artists on his maiden tour of Australia.{{cite web |url=http://themusic.com.au/news/all/2017/01/09/bob-marley-outernational-unveils-2017-line-up/ |title=Bob Marley Outernational Unveils 2017 Line-up |author= |date=9 January 2017 |website=The Music |access-date=9 February 2017}}{{cite web |url=http://perthbritannia.com/events-around-perth-february-march/ |title=Events Around Perth in February & March |author= |date=1 February 2017 |website=Britannia on William |access-date=14 February 2017}}{{cite news |author= |title=Zim Duo for Beenie Man show Down Under |url=http://www.herald.co.zw/zim-duo-for-bennie-man-show-down-under/ |newspaper=The Herald |location=Zimbabwe |date=20 March 2017 |access-date=20 March 2017 }}
He is set to release a new album, My Journey, in 2017, featuring collaborations with artists from Jamaica and Zimbabwe.
Artistry
{{multiple image
| footer = Ken Boothe (left, in white) and Buju Banton (right) are some of the artists that influenced Dizzy Dee and his music
| image1 = Ras Tingle and Ken Boothe on the set of 'Touch you".JPG
| width1 = 161
| alt1 = Ken Boothe with Ras Tingle
| image2 = Buju_Banton_(Apollo_theater,_2007).jpg
| width2 = 145
| alt2 = Buju Banton performing
| align = right}}
=Influences=
One of his earliest musical memories is listening to his parents' vinyl collection, which included The Soul Brothers, Michael Jackson, Ray Phiri. Sibanda collected the infamous Road Warrior cassettes, which had carefully selected reggae and dancehall songs mixed by popular disc jockeys. Sibanda also explored the music of older reggae stars, including Capleton, Beres Hammond, Buju Banton, Sizzla, Gregory Isaacs and Ken Boothe and states reggae as his favourite music. During his teen years he became an MC for Shutter Crew and Saxon Sound, often hanging out with Little Hero and Letsha T, who were amongst the top selectors in Triangle. It was not until he was older that he started writing his own music and contesting in variety shows.{{citation needed|date=April 2017}}
{{Quote box
|quote = My dad is my biggest model because he has always been strict and I think that has helped me a lot. When I work on projects I take the same approach.
|salign = centre
|align = centre
|width = 27%
|border = 1px
|fontsize = 90%
}}
Philanthropy
Sibanda has been involved in humanitarian support in areas including third world schools, the victims of the 2010 Haitian earthquake, clean water projects in Africa through Oxfam Australia, health research and quality of life. Musically, he has helped fundraise on many occasions.{{cite news |author= |title=Bob Marley Outernational 2017|url=http://www.liveguide.com.au/Arts_and_Theatres/842225/Artists/Bob_Marley_Outernational_2017?event_id=1365428 |newspaper=Live Guide |location=Australia |date=11 February 2017 |access-date=11 February 2017 }}
In February 2010 he performed at a fundraiser at the Evelyn Hotel in Melbourne to raise funds for the Haitian earthquake victims.{{cite news |author= |title=7 Years After Haiti's Earthquake, Millions Still Need Aid|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/haiti-earthquake-anniversary_us_5875108de4b02b5f858b3f9c |newspaper=The World Post |location=USA |date=12 January 2017 |access-date=12 January 2017 }}
In May 2015 Colonel Mustard's held a charity event at Northcote's Bar 303 to raise funds for Orangutan Foundation International. Several DJs from Melbourne performed, including a vocal set from Dizzy Dee.{{cite news |author= |title=Zoo party orangutan fundraiser |url=https://haarpmedia.com/2015/05/17/friday-22-may-colonel-mustards-records-present-orangutan-fundraiser-bar-303/ |newspaper=Harp Media |location=Australia |date=17 May 2015 |access-date=17 May 2015 }}
In 2017 he co-headlined The 36th Annual Bob Marley Outernational held in Western Australia with Etana and Black Slate, with proceeds donated to Oxfam.{{cite news |author= |title=Bob Marley Outernational 2017|url=http://www.liveguide.com.au/Arts_and_Theatres/842225/Artists/Bob_Marley_Outernational_2017?event_id=1365428 |newspaper=Live Guide |location=Australia |date=11 February 2017 |access-date=11 February 2017 }}
Personal life
Sibanda moved to Australia in 2007 on a student visa.{{cite news |last=Iaria |first=Melissa |date=7 June 2010 |title=Reggae singer 'Dizzy Dee' jailed for rape |url=http://www.news.com.au/national/reggae-singer-dizzy-dee-jailed-for-rape/news-story/b278eae53c0564ae4e1c6f52c74a57af |newspaper=Australia Associated Press |access-date=14 February 2017}} In 2010 he was sentenced to 6 years in prison, for rape by the Victorian County court. He was required to serve a minimum of three and a half years before being eligible for parole.{{cite news |last=Hunt |first=Elissa |date=6 June 2010 |title=Reggae singer Desire Sibanda, aka Dizzy Dee, jailed for rape |url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/reggae-singer-desire-sibanda-aka-dizzy-dee-jailed-for-rape/news-story/8e42edc8693349520c036ec6058779ef?sv=31fcd5680316dbacab67e4e708bde78d |newspaper=Herald Sun |location=Melbourne |access-date=9 February 2017 }}{{cite news |last=Lowe |first=Adrian |date=7 June 2010 |title=Reggae artist jailed over rape |url=http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/reggae-artist-jailed-over-rape-20100607-xpvd.html |newspaper=The Age |location=Melbourne |access-date=9 February 2017 }} He was released in 2013.
Discography
=Albums=
==Studio albums==
- My Journey (2017) – Soundalize It / VPAL Music
- New Sounds (2018) – Dizzy Dee Music{{cite web|url=http://hmetro.co.zw/dizzy-dee-engages-maxi-priests-son|title=Dizzy Dee engages maxi Priest's son|publisher=HMetro|access-date=18 October 2018|archive-date=5 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200205195112/https://www.hmetro.co.zw/dizzy-dee-engages-maxi-priests-son/|url-status=dead}}
==Riddim compilation albums==
- Tranquility Riddim – various artists (2014), ZJ Heno{{cite web|url=https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/tranquility-riddim/id922281856|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150211235942/https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/tranquility-riddim/id922281856|url-status=dead|archive-date=11 February 2015|title=iTunes Music – Tranquility Riddim by Various Artists|publisher=iTunes Store}}
- Compatible Riddim – various artists (2015), ZJ Heno / 21st Hapilos Digital{{cite web|url=https://itunes.apple.com/au/album/compatible-riddim/id1022434503|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170404043001/https://itunes.apple.com/au/album/compatible-riddim/id1022434503|url-status=dead|archive-date=4 April 2017|title=iTunes Music – Compatible Riddim by Various Artists|publisher=iTunes Store}}
- Summer Love Riddim – various artists (2015), Abra Records{{Citation|title=Summer Love Riddim produced by Jusa (Zimbabwe Lovers ROCK)|date=5 May 2015 |url=http://nehandaradio.com/2015/05/05/summer-love-riddim-produced-by-jusa-zimbabwe-lovers-rock/|accessdate=5 May 2015}}
- Focus Riddim – various artists (2016), Black Identity Records{{cite web|url=https://itunes.apple.com/au/album/focus-riddim/id1105867316|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170403194811/https://itunes.apple.com/au/album/focus-riddim/id1105867316|url-status=dead|archive-date=3 April 2017|title=iTunes Music – Focus Riddim by Various Artists|publisher=iTunes Store}}
==As featured artist==
- Dreamer Believer – Malesh P (2015), Malesh P{{cite web|url=https://itunes.apple.com/au/album/dreamer-believer/id1029172750|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170404043103/https://itunes.apple.com/au/album/dreamer-believer/id1029172750|url-status=dead|archive-date=4 April 2017|title=iTunes Music – Dreamer Believer by Malesh P|publisher=iTunes Store}}
- Self Reclaimed – Torch (2015), Frankie Music / VPAL Music{{cite news |author= |title=Torch blazes trail with Self Reclaimed |url=http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/entertainment/Torch-blazes-trail-with-Self-Reclaimed_19233759 |newspaper=Jamaican Observer |location=Jamaica |date=16 October 2015 |access-date=16 October 2015 }}{{cite web|url=https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/self-reclaimed/id1049140156|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170223101614/https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/self-reclaimed/id1049140156|url-status=dead|archive-date=23 February 2017|title=iTunes Music – Self Reclaimed by Torch|publisher=iTunes Store}}
- Culture Shocked – Slicker 1 (2016), TMB Music Group
=Extended plays=
- U Don't Care (2009) – Abra Records{{cite web|url=https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/u-dont-care/id332849448|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170328195228/https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/u-dont-care/id332849448|url-status=dead|archive-date=28 March 2017|title=iTunes Music – U Don't Care EP by Dizzy Dee|publisher=iTunes Store}}
- Time Shall Tell (2016) – Soundalize It / VPAL Music{{cite web|url=https://itunes.apple.com/au/album/time-shall-tell-ep/id1130626254|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170403111437/https://itunes.apple.com/au/album/time-shall-tell-ep/id1130626254|url-status=dead|archive-date=3 April 2017|title=iTunes Music – Time Shall Tell EP by Dizzy Dee|publisher=iTunes Store}}
=Singles=
==As lead artist==
- "Give Me Love" (2014) – Kutral Dub{{cite web|url=https://itunes.apple.com/au/album/give-me-love-single/id865668026|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170404043301/https://itunes.apple.com/au/album/give-me-love-single/id865668026|url-status=dead|archive-date=4 April 2017|title=iTunes Music – Give Me Love by Dizzy Dee|publisher=iTunes Store}}
- "Never See We Fading" featuring Torch (2014) – Soundalize It{{cite web|url=https://itunes.apple.com/au/album/never-see-we-fading-single/id906577002|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170404043257/https://itunes.apple.com/au/album/never-see-we-fading-single/id906577002|url-status=dead|archive-date=4 April 2017|title=iTunes Music – Never See We Fading by Dizzy Dee|publisher=iTunes Store}}
- "Perfect Peace" featuring Torch (2015) – ZJ Heno
- "Time Shall Tell" (2015) – Soundalize It{{cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/au/album/time-shall-tell-single/997943150|title=iTunes Music – Time Shall Tell by Dizzy Dee|publisher=iTunes Store}}
- "Overcome" featuring Beniton (2015) – Soundalize It{{cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/overcome-feat-beniton-single/1015663618|title=iTunes Music – Overcome by Dizzy Dee|publisher=iTunes Store}}
- "All That I Need" featuring PASIKA (2017) – Abra Records
==As featured artist==
- Don Goliath – "Free Ganja" featuring Dizzy Dee (2014), Rootsstep Division Recordings
- Josmas – "Rambai Muneni" featuring Dizzy Dee (2014), Abra Records
==Guest appearances==
- Jusa Dementor – "Ndaku Bikira" (2016), Abra Records{{cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/au/album/ndaku-bikira-single/1089583073|title=iTunes Music – Ndaku Bikira by Jusa Dementor|publisher=iTunes Store}}
Tours and concerts
= Headlining =
- Reggae Faea with Jah Mason (Vanuatu dates) (2008)
- 36th Bob Marley Outernational Festival with Etana & Black Slate (Perth, Australia) (2017)
= Co-headlining =
- ZiJudgement Yard – Australia Tour (Australia dates) (2017)
= Supporting =
- Richie Spice – Universal Struggle Tour (Australia dates) (2009)
- Brick & Lace – Love Is wicked Tour (Australia dates) (2014)
- Timaya – Australian Tour (Australia dates) (2015)
- Stonebwoy – Australian Tour (Australia dates) (2016)
- Winky D – Ma Problem Ese Disappear Tour (Australia dates) (2016)
- Beenie Man – King of the DanceHall Tour (Australia dates) (2017)
- Stonebwoy – Australian Tour (Australia dates) (2017)
- Bisa Kdei – Road 2 Konnect Australian Tour (Australia dates) (2017)
- Charly Black – Party Animals Australian Tour (Australia dates) (2018)
- Kranium – Can't Believe Australian Tour (Australia dates) (2018)
- Konshens – Bruk Off Yuh Back Australian Tour (Australia dates) (2019)
- Nasty C – Australian Tour (Australia dates) (2019)
- Prince Kaybee & Ali Kiba - MelaninFunk Festival (Melbourne, Australia)(2019)
- DJ Tira – Australian Tour (Australia dates) (2019)
= Festivals =
- Saint Kilda Festival 2007
- Saint Kilda Festival 2009
- Island Vibe Festival 2009
- Rainbow Serpent Festival 2010{{cite news| url=http://www.inthemix.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=238655| title=Rainbow Serpent Festival 2009 – 23 to 26 Jan – Western Victoria| publisher=Inthemix| accessdate=27 July 2017}}
- Fringe Festival 2010
- Perth International Arts Festival 2010
- Rainbow Serpent Festival 2014
- Strawberry Fields Festival 2016
- Bob Marley Outternational Festival 2017
- Ozlinkup Festival 2017
- Jamaica Music & Food Festival 2017
- Afrobeats Perth Festival 2018
- Afro Urban Music Festival 2019
- Melanin Phunk Festival 2019
= Television =
Awards and nominations
= Australia Reggae Radio Music Awards =
{{awards table}}
!Ref
|-
|rowspan="2"|2017
|Himself
|Reggae Performer/Band of the year
|{{Nom}}
|{{Citation|title=Nominations for the third Australia Reggae Radio Music Awards category, Reggae Performer/Band of the year|url=https://www.facebook.com/events/770874316398401/permalink/794185980733901/|accessdate=29 March 2017}}{{Primary source inline|date=February 2018}}
|-
|Himself
|Reggae/Dancehall song of the year
|{{Nom}}
|
{{end}}
= Zimbabwe Achievers Awards =
= [[Star FM Music Awards]] =
{{awards table}}
!Ref
|-
|rowspan="1"|2019
|Elders
|Best Song by Zimbabwean in the Diaspora
|{{Nom}}
|{{Citation|title=Star FM Music Awards releases nominees list|date=22 December 2018 |url=https://www.musicinafrica.net/magazine/zim-star-fm-music-awards-releases-nominees-list|accessdate=22 December 2018}}{{Primary source inline|date=December 2018}}
|-
{{end}}
References
{{reflist}}
External links
{{Commons category|Dizzy Dee}}
- {{Official website|http://www.dizzydeemusic.com/}}
- {{IMDb name|9263035}}
{{Authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Dizzy Dee}}
Category:Australian reggae musicians
Category:Australian male songwriters