Donae’o0

Ian Greenidge better known by his stage name Donae’o (meaning Gift From God is an English singer and rapper of Ghanaian decent from north-west London and is most known for his single “Party Hard”. A kingpin where all things UK dance are concerned, Donaeo has been a staple fixture on the underground since his anthemic debut “My Philosophy (Bounce)”, made when he was just 16, aired back in 2001. Regarded not just as a producer, his forays into singing, rapping and songwriting have gone on to shape the star that’s in many ways still yet to be fully revealed. Born in Ghana where he lived for just a year, 20-something Donaeo is actually the guy you’re more likely to find locked in the studio when he’s not performing. While you may have thrown a hand in the air to more recent classics like “Party Hard”, “Devil In A Blue Dress” and “African Warrior”, you may not know his co-writing credits include Yasmin “On My Own”, Mz Bratt “Selecta” and Ms Dynamite “What You Talking About?” He also penned the theme tune for the final series of Channel 4’s Dubplate Drama alongside Wretch32. Other standout moments include his recent feature on the haunting Breakage cut “Speechless” and Shy FX’s “Raver” with Kano and Roses Gabor.

It’s a far cry from his early career, where in the 00’s Donae’o signed to Sticky’s ‘Social Circles’ record label at 17-years old – it was supposed to be the beginning of a much-expected solo career. But with label politics leading to a falling out with the bosses, he found himself stuck in a deal that he couldn’t get out of and was left in a position with very few options.

As a result, aged 23, in a bid to work out his next move, Donae’o decided to take a break from music, flitting between various retail jobs and a stint at a marketing company where ironically enough he worked alongside the then unknown Taio Cruz. By 2008 Donae’o decided the time was right to return and his independently released debut album Party Hard ensued the following year. Turning a hand to promoting too, in 2010 alongside Ctrl.Alt.Shift and a slew of acts, Donae’o helped raise over £3,000 for the Haiti emergency appeal.

Preferring to work from his home studio, which suits his ADHD-related tendencies that have inspired the workings of his new material, he still credits his best ideas to those he conjures up riding on a bus or train. Now, after two years since his last LP, Donae’o’s preparing the release of two new albums in the next year. This summers release, “Indigo Child”, a title that doubles up as pseudoscientific label given to those who are claimed to possess special or unusual traits or abilities, will be a free giveaway for fans.

The recently released lead track “Swagger” is in keeping with mixing the old with the new, channelling inspiration from the likes of The Prodigy, James Brown, Frank Ocean and Shy FX, where song writing is concerned you’ll find Donae’o also nodding towards The Script and Coldplay. Despite nailing a lauded Talib Kwali feature on the forthcoming “Honey”, Donae’o’s unique formula continues to encapsulate everything that’s good about the broadened British soundscapes in 2011. A follow up album, which will get a full release, will be out in Spring 2012 and will feature collaborations with Shy FX, Breakage and more.

www.donaeo.com

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