Demii Thomas has a multicultural background. Growing up in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria, and Queens, New York, Thomas understands what it means to be at the center of rich cultures. Perhaps this is one reason the twenty-five-year-old Queens native has been able to strike a balance in her artistry. According to her, she believes that her sound cuts across different genres, her lyricism, flawless, and her image, as pristine as can be.
Thomas is ready to take on the industry, and with this one goal in mind, she approaches the industry in the most humanly way possible, baring herself to all in a bid to come off as realistic and relatable in conversation with us.
In this interview, she traces her beginnings to her current standpoint.
When did you start making music?
Unprofessionally I have been making music since I was a child. I used to write my own songs. Then, I could literally write about anything, food, animals, colors, and any other thing inspired by nature. While professionally I started doing music back in 2012 just right after high school. Then I released a gospel EP, and it was called Jesu Mi Kon.
What led you to start making music?
I always had the drive and passion for the music then later on I just knew when it was the right time for the music. I had just finished high school and I had all these songs in my mind. Thankfully, I had a very supportive family and friends. Back in Ibadan, I met Ichaba who connected me to Dremo, who then produced my EP.
What kind of music do you make?
I am a very diverse artist. I believe my sounds cut across different genres.
My lyrics are non-vulgar, I touch different topics and try to be as decent as possible not over-sexualizing myself.
What feeling do you get in the studio?
When I am in the studio, I always feel like I am in the right place. You could be in places you feel unwanted, or the energy is just so wrong but one place that always feels right for me is the studio, a place where I get to explore my versatility.
What do you want people to know you for when you make music?
I want to be known as that plus-size girl that is conquering the industry. I want to be known as that big, confident, and talented artist that makes meaningful in different vibes. I want to have that song for every mood. I mean the goal is to be evergreen and not to hop on every trend but make timeless classics.
What was it like recording Check Am? What inspired the process then and how did you record it?
Writing Check Am was so fun. Interestingly I wanted it to be called Brother Larry but people have their way of influencing my decisions. When Teni hopped on the song I was literally surprised because she had just got back from Atlanta and the moment she heard the beat, she jumped up from her bed and started recording and did so effortlessly because it was something she connected with immediately. Watching her do her thing was also magical for me.
Where did you meet Teni?
My manager was able to set that up for me. I met Teni in Dallas. She was so welcoming for someone that was pretty exhausted and also had a show that night. She was able to get on the grind and even before recording she spoke to me and encouraged me on my music journey.
What’s your goal as a musician?
To bless people, to put a smile on their faces, to give them a channel that they can connect to, I am a genuine person and at the same time very loving I want people to feel that from my songs.
What’s the theme song for your life right now
Hold my hand by Michael Jackson is the theme song for my life right now. I do have people in my life that are holding my hands real tight and are seeing me through everything and I am grateful.