Born in England to St. Lucian parents, and having travelled the world many times over performing with and for many of its affluent citizens, Derede remains true to her St. Lucian roots. Musically accomplished at an early age, background vocals for artistes like Maxi Priest, Barrington Levy and Karen Wheeler of "Soul To Soul" were precursors to an illustrious career in the musical artform.
In 1995, Derede joined the chorus line of the musical show "Caribana" at one of London's premiere Theatres. She was hired for a multi faceted part in the hit Musical " Black Heroes In The Hall Of Fame" which toured England, USA and Jamaica performing as Aretha Franklin, earning her an invitation to perform live on British among stars of the entertainment world.
Derede's first solo Album of R&B greats entitled "Why Not Tonight" was released in 1989 and sold in excess of 30,000.
Following an extensive England tour with surviving members of Marvin Gaye's family and Kim Weston (sister of Martha Reeves), Derede returned to the theatre in 1990, where she portrayed the raunchy Ma Rainy (of the Vaudeville era) and gospel's greatest, Mahalia Jackson, in the London production of the American Broadway hit musical "Mums And Her Ladies", which starred well known actress Clarice Taylor (Cliff Huxtable's mother in the Cosby Show).
On her return to St. Lucia in 1992, Derede joined the Jazz Band, "Third Eye" and over the years has performed at the St. Lucia, Martinique and London Jazz Festivals, sharing the mainstage with the likes of "Earth, Wind & Fire". In November 1999, Derede and "Third Eye" featured on BET's "Jazz In the Sun", filmed in Jamaica. The Year 2000 saw Derede and the group performing beside Grammy Award winners "Soul to Soul" and seventies icon "Clem Curtis and the Foundations".
Donald Trump, Bill Gates, and the Prince of Saudi Arabia, are just a few of the familiar names that the duo of Derede and "Jab" and the Band entertained after accepting an offer for full-time exclusive residency at the "Raffles Resorts", formally the "Carenage Bay Resorts" providing entertainment to the elite, for weddings, groups, and private functions. Residency at the Raffles Resorts availed Derede to perform with legendary Motown group the "Temptations," and the "Stylistics," and land performances in Duba, Quebec City, and China in 2010.
Her greatest achievement to date is her audition for the theatre production of the "Lion King", where she was offered one of the leading roles.
Derede's career to date has been a steady flow of growth, challenges, intrigue, new and exciting experiences and meeting interesting and wonderful new friends. She feels privileged and honored to have the world in her corner, to be a part of history and experience cultures and sights that most can only imagine.
She is especially passionate when people ask where she comes from. She proudly ventures on a journey of her home St. Lucia, a place which is still unknown to most of the world and for which Derede is adamant to promote- a true Ambassador for her Country.
Derede has received many commendations for her live performances. Her personality and talent are un-rivaled and her professionalism unmatched. Her cabaret show time is high energy, exciting and a musical treat. She has five albums and six singles to her name.
Her last CD, "Cry To Me", has proved to be yet another "Hit" for this powerful, charismatic and energetic entertainer, who St. Lucia now hails "The Diva". Derede is working quietly in the backdrop, eager to demonstrate her growth and artistic development in upcoming releases. Though already greatly accomplished, her enthusiasm and energy continue to spirit her rise to even greater heights.
