Behind The Base: Deema

South London rap star Deema joins PizzaExpress in the kitchen in the latest episode of Behind The Base.

Deema cut his teeth as a member of the Lewisham collective The Square, a group of young people who took a playful and freeform approach to grime music that skewered and remixed every aspect of the experience of growing up in London. Since flying solo, he has dropped hit tunes like “Maddie” and “HASH BROWN”, burnishing his reputation as one of the most exciting names to come out of the capital lately.

While making a pesto, olive, and chilli oil pizza dubbed ‘Express Yourself’ by Deema, he chats about his wide influences – ranging from Kendrick Lamar to Jamie T. For the rapper, he feels, sometimes it’s important to imagine what other artists might do at certain points in their career.

Deema exudes positive energy even when discussing the darker elements to his music: “When I’m sad, I like to feel sad, figure out why I’m sad and then get it moving.”

Deema’s musical journey has involved slowing down the tempo, realising the ability to express himself more easily and “find his footing.”

He continues to discuss his unreleased track “Blue” as about “being in Lewisham (the blue), and being alright with being there, rather than the mindset of trying to get out the ends”. For Deema, it has an optimistic outlook. Watch it here!