About Deba’s life (Biography)
Written by: Ermira Babamusta, Ph.D, New York, 29 September 2012
Deba is one of the most successful and internationally known R&B stars. Perhaps the most famous Albanian-German singer who has succeeded in Pop and R&B music, often times referred to as “Prince of RnB” by international media and TV. Deba is brought to fame as music producer, singer, songwriter and founder of Hip-Hop & RnB music group “Scorpfly Music” in 2006. Deba is well known for the vocal creativity, songwriting ability and chart-topping songs in three languages: Albanian, English and German.
His name came into prominence in 2007 with the superhit song “Like Wooh”. He has won the hearts of many fans by appearing in popular German TV talent shows and reality music competitions, where he was selected as one of the best newcomer voice in Germany (2005). He is also the 2nd place winner of the famous Music Nation competition, a Universal Music talent show in Germany (2008).
The signature tunes he released during his highly successful music career include “Working Out”, (a collaboration with RnB legend R. Kelly and the famous American Hip Hop artist DA-NI), “Stay by my side”, “I don’t wanna say goodbye”, “Faleminderit” (eng. Thank you), “Kalo me mu” (eng. Stay with me) and “V.I.P”. His first album “Finally Me” released in 2011, a gift for the Deba fans, exploded on the internet with over 25 millions youtube views. His first music video “Lollipop” is expected to debut on November 2012 in Germany and worldwide.
Early Life
Singer, songwriter, performer and producer. Born Debatik Dakaj in Prishtina, Kosova on January 31, 1989 to parents Remzi and Zarife Dakaj. Due to the atrocities committed on the Kosovar Albanians by Milosevic and the exterminatory nature of the war, Deba and his family were forced to leave their native land, Kosovo. Deba was only three years old when he moved to Germany in 1992. He and his family currently reside in Mannheim, Germany.
Deba’s identity is deeply tied to being Albanian and German. “Even though I left Kosovo at such a young age, I hold it close to my heart and I am very proud to be Albanian,” Deba explains. “My mother instilled in me and my two sisters an appreciation of our Albanian traditions. We celebrate both Albanian and German cultures.
I have deep appreciation for Germany because my childhood and adult experiences have shaped me into becoming the well-rounded, dedicated and hard-working person I am today. I also maintain active ties with friends and extended family in Kosovo. My identity is rooted in my Albanian background and I feel a sense of belonging in Germany,” said Deba.
In 2004 Deba was accepted at the Music School in Mannheim, Germany, and successfully completed the 1 year program. In 2007 Deba attended the two-year program at the Private Business School in Ludwigshafen. In 2010 he graduated from the Hochschule Mannheim (Mannheim College) with a Business and Economics degree. He is currently pursuing the apprenticeship in Accounting and plans to study Corporate Human Resources afterwards.
Musical beginnings: Music Producer, Singer, Songwriter
Deba’s love for music started at a young age. His inspiration comes from music legend Michael Jackson and King of RnB, Usher. “I remember when I was very little I would sing in front of my family and friends. I would pretend I have a mike in my hands and perform my favorite songs by Michael Jackson and Usher. To me Michael is the embodiment of music and what performing should be all about. And Usher is such a great inspiring music king, who is constantly challenging his creativity. Like my two idols, I want to push the musical boundaries, challenge my musical abilities and I always seek to take my creative side to the next level,” said Deba.
At the Music School in Mannheim Deba received training by the finest German teachers, including music performance training, vocal and piano lessons, ear training and stage presence. After developing his voice techniques and passion for music he began exploring the performance and artistic experience, where he quickly gained recognition.
In 2005 Deba participated in the talent casting show in Mannheim, called “Mannheim’s Newcomer” where he earned a spot in the top 30, as one of the best voice newcomer in Germany.
In 2006 Deba formed his own independent music group called “Scorpfly Music”. He recruited the top German and Albanian Kosovar Hip-Hop and RnB singers. The group recorded several hit albums and performed shows worldwide. As music producer and manager Deba became successful in launching the music careers of numerous artists in Germany, Albania, Kosovo and USA.
“I created Scorpfly Music with the idea to help not only already established artists take their career to the next level but also help aspiring singers launch their music career. My role was mainly as a producer, not as a singer, because I wanted to learn about audio engineering and music production. I wanted to understand more about what goes on behind the scenes of music production,” said Deba.
At age sixteen Deba began writing his own songs and began to seriously consider a career as a musician. “In 2006 I started to write my own songs to better handle my emotions and it became one of my best talents,” said singer, songwriter Deba.
The earliest of his songs that Deba wrote is titled “Like Wooh”. His breakthrough song “Like Wooh” was released in 2007 and was an instant internet sensation. The single became a big hit among teens and young adults with over 300.000 downloads.
Rise to a Successful Musical Career
By 2007 Deba was beginning to headline as breakthrough artist in Germany. Famous artists and celebrity music judges took notice of his success. In 2008 Deba was selected in the Music Nation Talent Contest as the only Albanian musician to represent Kosovo out of thousands of international singers who participated in the show. The famous TV show is part of the well-known Universal Music contest. Deba won 2nd place in this international music competition in Germany. Deba’s stellar appearance and performance in season 2008 of the show earned him millions of fans.
“Being on the Music Nation show was such a wonderful experience. The contest judges helped me develop my skills with their constructive criticism and positive feedback. I have received immense support from my fans from around the world and I am so thankful for that. The support never stopped coming even after the season was over. I received fan letters from Kosovo, Romania, Argentina, China, Japan and Albania. I was very humbled with the recognition that I received from my fans. I hadn’t even released my first music video at the time, but my supporters made fan music videos with my songs and pictures. And by 2009 I already had over 25 million views on youtube, 2 million plays on myspace and made the top charts there,” said Deba.
While Deba’s fame peaked in Germany, by late 2008 he was making headlines in Kosovo. In 2008 he was the first Albanian Artist to be on the cover of the prestigious magazine ‘Kosova Sot’ (eng. Kosovo Today), without having released an album at the time. The magazine talked about Deba’s international fame and success and his future aspirations. In early 2009 Deba also began leading in United States.
In summer 2009 Deba recorded the hit song “Working Out” with the famous American Hip-Hop star, Da-Ni. “Working Out” is an original song by R.Kelly, and Deba was approached to record an official version for Europe. The song rose as a top hit in the international music charts.
“I had already heard of R.Kelly’s and Da-Ni’s original ‘Working Out’ song and I loved the flirtatious lyrics and the cool vibes of the song. I was thrilled that R. Kelly and Da-Ni gave me the opportunity to record an official version of the superhit ‘Working out’.
I consider R. Kelly to be the father of the soulful music and working with Da-Ni in USA, who is considered to be Chicago’s hottest Hip-Hop artist was a really great experience. This was such a fun project to make. The European version that we made together was produced in Germany by Dj. Holla (aka Enis Potoku) and it became a huge success in Europe and overseas,” said the famous singer Deba.
“Deba Nights” Annual Music Concerts
Although his public persona was that of an RnB prince, surrounded by fame and success, Deba is a very down-to-earth person who loves and cares for his fans. His first self -written album called “Finally Me” was exclusively made in 2011 for the fans and made available for free download online. He also created his own annual show called “Deba Nights” exclusively for his loyal fans.
“Through the years I have given a lot of concerts in Germany and Kosovo and I had the idea to create my own show ‘Deba Night’ only for my biggest fans, who will need a VIP card to get in. As of 2012 I have successfully produced three Deba Nigh shows in my own town, here in Germany, in Ludwigshafen. This is a chance for my most loyal fans to have a front row seat at my live concert, as well as get a backstage exclusive talk with me after the show,” said Deba.
Deba as a Trendsetter and Role Model for young teens
Music is not the only success for Deba. With his exotic looks, he became known as a trendsetter for his bold fashion statements. He is also a huge inspiration and a great role model for teens and adults as well as future young artists.
“My goal is to inspire others to shine so they can be their best in life. I am flattered that I am considered as a trendsetter and have millions of fans that admire me and my style. I am always thinking how to push fashion forward because it part of my artistic identity. However I believe that beauty goes beyond looks, a supercool hair style or sophisticated clothing. Beauty comes from within.
I learned a sense of confidence, self-respect and independence from my idol Lady Gaga, whom I consider to be not only a music icon but also a fashion queen, who has inspired so many people,” said the international superstar, Deba.
To honor his appreciation and respect for his idol, Deba released in 2010 a remix of Lady Gaga’s most popular song “Monster”.
Discography: First Music Album “Finally Me” (2011)
Deba has broken records with his internationally hit songs. His first music album, “Finally Me” was released in 2011 and it is one of the most downloaded albums online. The ‘Finally Me’ Album song list includes:
1. Busy
2. I don’t wanna say goodbye
3. Who
4. Superstar
5. V.I.P
6. Wake up
7. She’s on the spot
8. Angel
9. Kalo me mu (Stay with me)
10. Faleminderit (Thank you)
Recent Projects: First Music Video “Lollipop” (2012)
In 2012 Deba released his new single “Lollipop”. The song was produced by Lones Production (Leonard Shala) and written by Deba. The song was mastered by Dj Holla (Enis Potoku) and it is an Oriental Pop and RnB mixed club song. Deba just finished shooting the music video for Lollipop.
Deba is maintaining exclusivity about the music video but has revealed that it will be the most unique, creative and interesting video in Albanian music history. The directors of the music video are three of the best music directors in Germany, namely Bob Wladimir, Anger-Man and Moe Qaisar Mohmand, who are the leaders of the famous video production company “Wonderland Avenue”. It is rumored that the music video features some famous German actors and dancers, with a surprising ending. “I can’t say much since the music video doesn’t come out until November 2012. All I can say at the moment is that the musicvideo is more like a short film, with a surprising ending and perhaps the longest supercreative musicvideo in Albanian music history. I am extremely proud of this project of all the work that everyone put in. It has been my best experience thus far,” said the RnB Prince, Deba.
For further information regarding the latest news, concert dates and release dates, please visit the following Deba official pages:
Official facebook page: www.facebook.com/likedeba
Youtube: www.youtube.com/debaofficial
Twitter: http://twitter.com/DebaOfficial
