DK Ibomeka

Watch out for DK Ibomeka! A fast-rising star of Nigerian descent who is winning rave reviews everywhere he appears. GKP is delighted to announce a major addition to its artist roster – the highly-acclaimed Toronto-based jazz, blues and soul singer, DK Ibomeka, who has been winning rave reviews with his powerful, three-octave voice and his distinctive and highly appealing vocal style.
The son of Nigerian immigrants to Canada, DK Ibomeka has made a tremendous impression on the Canadian music scene since he first began appearing on club dates in his home city back in 2003.
He might have been heading for a career in the medical profession had it not been for the fact that, on moving to a new apartment, he found an Ella Fitzgerald CD which had been left behind by the previous tenant.
DK recalls:” When I heard Ella’s exquisite voice, it called to me in a way that no other voice has.” He spent the next few months developing his vocal talent by singing in the shower and also started writing songs, having now set his mind on becoming a professional singer.
Eventually he let his parents know that a career in medicine was out and that he wanted to devote his life to music. And when he gave them a spontaneous audition, they were so impressed by his natural talent that they agreed to support his change of plan.

DK enrolled at the Humber Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning and took the vocal jazz course. In January 2003, DK attended an IAJE (International Association for Jazz Education) convention in Toronto, and presented one of his demo tapes to a representative of the renowned Berklee School of Music. Some time afterwards, Berklee offered him a scholarship but, unfortunately, he was unable to accept because of financial limitations.
While at the Humber Institute, DK took every opportunity he could to sing in public and word of his exceptional prowess spread fast as he garnered public and critical approbation. When he appeared one evening at Toronto’s Sax On Yonge jazz bar, he received a five-minute standing ovation, after which the club manager, Michelle Belisle commented: “Audiences are mesmerized by his stage performance. He put on a stellar show and his stage presence is the best I’ve ever seen in someone so young.”
In 2005, Ibomeka met up with Haydain Neale, the leader of Canada’s Jacksoul group, and they began writing songs together. It was Neale who produced Ibomeka’s début CD, Love Stories, for the Wychwood Park label in the autumn of 2005. The album features a potent mixture of classic jazz and blues sounds all infused with a powerful element of soul.
Says Haydain Neale of his songwriting partner: “It is ridiculous to think I never came across this guy before. Not only is he a towering physical presence, but that voice of his can kick you in the chest and still melt a roomful of hearts at the same time…All I can say is: Make way for DK.”
Soon after the release of the album, DK was signed by the S. L. Feldman Agency whose roster includes such high-profile artists as Diana Krall, Nora Jones and Michael Buble.

In July 2005, DK appeared at the Montreal Jazz Festival, sharing the stage with the Neville Brothers, Patti Labelle and Haydain Neale in a Voices Of Soul concert, which was later televised nationally by CBC. Since then, DK has opened for Holly Cole and Buffy Sainte-Marie at the Grand Theatre in London, Ontario and, in November 2005, he headlined at Montreal’s leading jazz venue, the Upstairs Jazz Club.

Selected media comments

“…my first reaction was ‘Wow’; my second, ‘Awesome’; my third, I can’t wait to interview this fantastic new talent.” – Colin Smith, Radio CKLM 88.1

“DK’s richly emotive voice was the highlight of the evening.” – Edmonton Sun

“His voice is big, his range is big – and he is big (6ft 7ins.)…but it’s not his stature that you’ll remember after a performance, but the way he can project a song …he has a fab future ahead of him.” – Geoff Chapman, Toronto Star

“The new Canadian crooners such as Michael Buble and Matt Dusk may have the big label deals and the headlines right now. But as soon as enough people hear what DK can do with Ray Charles’s Hallelujah! I Love Her So or the Beatles’ Oh Darling – it won’t be long before DK is moving up …the best opening set heard in London in a long time.” – James Reaney, London (Ontario) Free Press

Internet:
www.dkibomeka.com