MY WORLD

1980s

Dia was born in Nairobi, Kenya. She is an only child and spent her early years living in Nairobi before her parents immigrated to the UK in the 1980s. Both parents are originally from the state of Gujarat in India. Her father was an Executive Assistant to the CEO of a signage company in Kenya and her mother, a housewife. During her early years, she was exposed to Motown and Disco music as well as her father's fanaticism for Bruce Lee movies in drive-through cinemas. Her ancestors belong to the Brahmin sect of the Hindu community, who were regarded as philosophers, pioneers and great thinkers in ancient India. Her maternal grandfather, a deeply philosophical and spiritual man, was the first person in his town to open a radio shop in the 1960s. He was highly regarded and believed in strong cultural values and ethics.

1990s

Dia attended Hornsey School for Girls in Crouch End, North London. Often described as a quiet, studious and independent girl, she began songwriting as part of her GSCE Music education and was selected to perform at the school's Record of Achievement evening. The positive reception she received caused her to think seriously about a career in music. A few of her key influences at this stage were Mariah Carey, Aaliyah and Mary J Blige. During her teenage years, Dia joined a local youth music group led by her aunty. She would be seen performing at venues such as the Islington Town Hall and the St.Luke's Theatre. She later joined a vocal academy led by MOBO nominated Gospel singer, Patrick Jean-Paul-Denis, who encouraged her to develop her singing talents. From the age of 16, she funded her singing lessons through part-time retail work. Although the dream of being a recording artist was at the forefront of her mind, education became her main priority.

2000s

Dia graduated with an Upper Second-Class in BSc (Hons) Management & Systems from the leading Cass Business School. She progressed her education with a scholarship that led her to complete a Masters in Innovative Manufacturing from the prestigious Cranfield University. This enabled her to eventually become a successful Project Manager at various blue chip organisations. Dia successfully auditioned for a Soul/Motown band and built her stage experience performing all over the UK. She also went to study in Los Angeles with acclaimed vocal coach, Seth Riggs (vocal coach to Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, Prince, Beyonce) at his summer camp. This experience enabled her to develop her vocal abilities, songwriting skills, stage presence and music business knowledge.

2010s

Dia continued to develop her artistic skills through vocal coaching from Margeret Holmes-Drury at the Central School of Speech & Drama and attending street contemporary dance classes. She also had exposure to Stanislavsky's 'Method Acting' and uses these techniques in her performances. In 2012, a car accident caused Dia to leave her profession as a Project Manager. However, thankfully due to physiotherapy and personal training, she began to regain normality 12 months later. At this point, she decided to commit to a full-time career in music. Dia currently trains at the London Wing Chun Kung Fu Academy led by Sifu Mark Phillips.

Future

Dia is currently working with the production and songwriting duo ‘Roman & Ravy’ from The Netherlands and production duo ‘Audible Art’ from Paris, on material for her forthcoming EP: The Light. She will be performing tracks from the EP, exclusively at her first solo concert at the Waterman’s Theatre on Saturday 24th September. Dia is also working with Award-winning choreographer Del Mak to create a unique and spectacularly visual show. Please contact bookings@iamdia.com for more information.

Quotes

On her music style, Dia states: "My music style is ambient hip-hop, electro dancehall & electro house...But as I evolve as a recording artist, I would like to incorporate more genres and world music influences to challenge the notion of genre. I have already started to do this with the tracks in my forthcoming EP: The Light. I would like to be as innovative as possible in creating fresh music with empowering messages that uplift people and make them feel good about themselves. I am excited about the possibilities this will open up for people." When questioned about why she wants to be an artist, she replies: "Music is the only deliverable artform that enables a person to change their state within a space of 4 minutes or less! That's fascinating to me! You can be low and upset one minute, but the second you turn up the song that moves you, you experience an instant change! Whether you're blasting a hip-hop or dance track during your gym work out, or listening to something chilled out while driving, music changes your state and helps to create memories. I love it and would be lost without it!"

Fun Facts

* Dia shares the same birthday, 27th March, as her key music inspiration Mariah Carey
* Dia is hugely influenced by the work of Peak Performance coach Anthony Robbins.
* Dia has successfully completed the Windsor Marathon to raise funds for RNIB
* Dia's favourite book is called 'The Alchemist' by Paulo Coelho
* Dia's favourite colour is red and her lucky number is 8