July 14th: Today's Feature

July

Craig Ashley David, MBE, a renowned British singer and songwriter, first gained recognition in 1999 when he collaborated with Artful Dodger on the hit single "Re-Rewind." Since then, David's musical journey has been nothing short of remarkable. His debut studio album, "Born to Do It," captivated audiences worldwide upon its release in 2000. Over the years, he has continued to impress with the release of five more studio albums, showcasing his versatility and talent.

Collaborating with esteemed artists such as Sting, Tinchy Stryder, Big Narstie, Kano, and Jay Sean, David has proven his ability to seamlessly blend genres and create captivating music. With an impressive track record of 20 UK top 40 singles and seven UK top 40 albums, David's success is undeniable. His solo career has seen him sell over 15 million records globally, solidifying his status as a true musical icon.

In addition to his commercial success, David's talent has been recognised by the industry, earning him numerous accolades. He has been nominated for an impressive fourteen Brit Awards, including five nominations for Best British Male. Furthermore, his exceptional vocal abilities have garnered him two Grammy Award nominations for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance. These nominations serve as a testament to David's undeniable talent and the impact he has made on the music industry. His ability to connect with audiences through his soulful voice and heartfelt lyrics has solidified his place as one of the most influential artists of his generation. With a career spanning over two decades, Craig Ashley David MBE continues to captivate audiences and leave an indelible mark on the music world.

Early Years

Craig David, a Southampton native, was raised in the close-knit community of the Holyrood estate. His upbringing was shaped by his diverse heritage, with his father hailing from Afro-Grenadian roots and his mother being of Anglo-Jewish descent, with familial ties to the renowned Accurist watch-making company. David's maternal grandfather was an Orthodox Jew, while his maternal grandmother embraced Judaism through conversion.

Despite his parents' separation when he was just eight years old, David found solace and support in his mother, who single-handedly raised him. He attended Bellemoor School and later pursued his education at Southampton City College. However, his school years were marred by the unfortunate experience of being bullied by his peers. This distressing period inspired him to channel his emotions into music, leading him to write and release the poignant song "Johnny" in 2005, which delved into his personal encounters with bullying.

David's passion for music was further nurtured by his father, George David, who played bass in a reggae band called Ebony Rockers. As a teenager, David had the opportunity to accompany his father to local dance clubs, where he was given the chance to showcase his talent on the microphone by generous DJs. These early experiences not only honed his skills but also ignited his love for performing and connecting with audiences through his music.

Recognition & Success

In the early stages of his career, David's talent and potential were quickly recognised by industry professionals. His journey began with working on a B-side for British group Damage, showcasing his skills on the track "I'm Ready". This exposure led to him collaborating with the UK garage duo Artful Dodger, where he lent his vocals to popular tracks like "Something" and "What Ya Gonna Do". It was during this time that David's music caught the attention of Wildstar Records, thanks to his manager Paul Widger who introduced his work to the label's co-owner Colin Lester.

Lester was immediately impressed by David's songwriting abilities, particularly highlighting the track "Walking Away" as a standout piece. Upon visiting David's home and seeing his passion for music reflected in his extensive vinyl collection, Lester was convinced of David's authenticity and offered him a development deal with Wildstar Records. The decision was solidified when Lester heard the song "7 Days" and recognised its potential to be a chart-topping hit, leading to the swift transition from a development deal to a full-fledged album contract. This pivotal moment marked the beginning of David's rise to stardom, showcasing his undeniable talent and setting the stage for a successful music career ahead.

Bullying

Reflecting on his upbringing, Craig vividly describes the warmth and inclusiveness that surrounded him, emphasising the profound impact his father had on his musical journey. However, he reveals that his idyllic childhood took a sharp turn during his second year of secondary school when he encountered bullying for the first time. Recounting a distressing incident, he recalls being forcefully pushed into a corner by an older student who demanded to know how much money he had. Shockingly, this became a regular occurrence, even in the presence of teachers who seemed oblivious to the torment. The bully would cleverly disguise his actions with a friendly demeanour, leaving the artist feeling trapped and traumatised.

The artist further explains that the trauma he experienced during his school years was exacerbated by a popular television show called Bo' Selecta. Lasting for seven years on Channel 4, Leigh Frances, playing a character he named as Keith Lemon. shamelessly mocked numerous black celebrities, including Craig David, through racist caricatures. This nationwide exposure intensified the bullying he endured, plunging him back into the same feelings of vulnerability and isolation he felt as a child. In his twenties at the time, he admits to feeling confused and uncertain about how to respond to such widespread ridicule. The show only served to reinforce his insecurities and perpetuate the imposter syndrome he had been grappling with.

Craig’s candid account sheds light on the profound impact bullying can have on an individual, regardless of their age or success. It highlights the insidious nature of bullying, as it not only occurred within the confines of his school but also permeated into the public sphere through a popular television show. The emotional toll inflicted by the bully's actions, coupled with the national exposure of the mockery, left the artist feeling trapped and uncertain about how to navigate the situation. This powerful narrative serves as a reminder of the importance of addressing and confronting bullying in all its forms, as its effects can be long-lasting and deeply damaging.

Honours & Legacy

On World Tuberculosis Day in 2010, the World Health Organisation made a significant decision by appointing Craig David as a Goodwill Ambassador to combat tuberculosis. His initial task in this new role involved traveling to South Africa to gain a deeper understanding of the disease. During his visit, he interacted with individuals who were battling tuberculosis, as well as those who had successfully recovered. Additionally, he met with dedicated scientists who have devoted their careers to fighting against tuberculosis. David expressed his commitment to helping eliminate the social stigma associated with TB, emphasising the importance of addressing this issue to effectively combat the disease.

In January 2021, Craig David was announced to be part of an esports series campaign with McLaren and British American Tobacco (BAT) to promote the nicotine pouch brand VELO in innovative ways. He joined other UK celebrities like Rory Reid and Fred Sirieix in this initiative to engage with customers in a new and exciting manner.

In October 2022, Craig David collaborated with Trainline to release a track titled "Better Days (I Came by Train)" to encourage the use of trains over flying or driving to reduce CO2 emissions and protect the environment. This initiative aimed to promote sustainable transportation options and raise awareness about the impact of individual choices on the planet.

In December 2021, the renowned R&B artist was granted a prestigious honour that he will remember for a lifetime. This honour came in the form of an MBE bestowed upon him by none other than King Charles himself. This recognition serves as a testament to the Craig David's talent, hard work, and dedication to his craft, solidifying his place in music history.