Edei (born Emma Deigman) is an English singer-songwriter and actress.[1]
Edei | |
---|---|
Birth name | Emma Deigman |
Born | Buckinghamshire, United Kingdom | September 19, 1988
Origin | English |
Genres | Soul-pop |
Occupation | Singer-songwriter |
Years active | 2010–present |
Labels | Alma Recordings |
Music career
editEdei's musical career began when she made her West End debut in Les Misérables, at aged seven, playing the young Eponine in the show's record-breaking opening run, before she went on performing at the Royal Variety Performance Show for Annie, when she was 10 years old. She also performed "Hard Knock Life" alongside Jay-Z on Top of the Pops.[2]
For the next few years she wrote to producers, seeking a solo career.[2] Rod Stewart also played a significant role on her career, whom Edei said helped her break the States.[3][4] She had the opportunity to perform in front of large crowds, and she began to receive offers to become a part of girl groups and audition for talent shows such as The X Factor. However, she was determined to become a successful solo artist on her own, with her own music.[2]
When she toured the UK as a supporting artist to Girls Aloud in 2009, Edei was using her birth, Emma Deigman.[5] Her debut single "In My Bed" was released through Alma Recordings on 12 July 2010, and the follow-up "Loved" was released on 16 January 2011[6] after much support from BBC Radio 2 (including a record of the week from Ken Bruce) and a nationwide tour with JLS.[7]
Edei's debut album was written with Boston-born, Dublin-based producer Misreid and singer-songwriter Conner Reeves (whose writing credits include songs for Joss Stone, Ava Leigh and Tina Turner). Edei was not known as a celebrity in the US until 2015. She has been performing and acting in plays and playing small glitzy clubs, mostly for charity, and has donated her time and talent volunteering her services for charitable organizations.
Acting
editEdei attended the Jackie Palmer Stage School[8] and Hurtwood House School.[9]
Edei first appeared as young saffron in Fay Weldon's adaptation novel of Big Women. In the 2001 film Last Orders, She and her sister Laura, was both playing the role of Sally,[10] Edei playing the 10-year-old and Laura the 5-year-old Sally.[11] She later appeared in a 2002 drama series Daniel Deronda. Edei is also known for her acting credits, especially in the U.K.[citation needed]
Personal life
editEdei was born as Emma Deigman in Buckinghamshire, UK. Edei's mother, Vicky, is a former casting agent who produced Wild Bill, and her father, Patrick, who is a property developer, comes from Helensburgh.[12] She grew up in Great Missenden,[10] and has three siblings, of whom the youngest is a tennis player,[13][14] who played in the 2011 Wimbledon Championships – Girls' Singles.[15]
Edei attended a boarding school in Berkhamsted,[16] but left when her father got cancer to help look after her younger brother and sister.[17]
In April 2024, Edei confirmed her engagement with film director and producer, David M. Rosenthal. She had previously been in a relationship with actor James Marsden.
References
edit- ^ "Hello! 'Bright Lights of 2011' Feature". Facebook. Archived from the original on 29 November 2012.
- ^ a b c "Bio | Edei". Archived from the original on 24 July 2012. Retrieved 2 October 2012.
- ^ "Introducing: Emma Deigman". www.femalefirst.co.uk. Retrieved 2 January 2024.
- ^ Dingwall, John (11 March 2009). "Exclusive: Rod Stewart is helping my career, reveals rising star Emma Deigman". Daily Record. Retrieved 2 January 2024.
- ^ John, Lauren (11 June 2009). "15 Questions With Emma Deigman". Music.co.uk. Hey. Archived from the original on 11 November 2010. Retrieved 4 July 2012.
- ^ "Edei: Loved (Alma Recordings Ltd)". Bluesandsoul.com. Retrieved 14 July 2020.
- ^ "Music Library for Professionals - Broadcasters, Schools & DJ's". Ilikemusic.com. Retrieved 14 July 2020.
- ^ "Past Pupils". Jackie Palmer Stage School. 22 February 2012. Archived from the original on 20 April 2013. Retrieved 4 July 2012.
- ^ "Hall of Fame - Alumni - Hurtwood House". Hurtwood House. Retrieved 13 April 2021.
- ^ a b Van Geuns, Sharon (9 November 2001). "Last Orders gives sisters first break". The Evening Standard. London, England. Archived from the original on 14 January 2016. Retrieved 4 July 2012.
{{cite news}}
: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link) - ^ "Last Orders". Film & TV Database. British Film Institute. Archived from the original on 18 January 2009. Retrieved 6 July 2012.
- ^ Dingwall, John (11 March 2009). "Emma's Sailing; Exclusive Pop Hopeful's Career Set to Take Off in the States – Thanks to Helping Hand from Rocker Rod Stewart – Singer tells how superstar loved CD she gave him at charity event". Daily Record. HighBeam. Archived from the original on 26 August 2014. Retrieved 4 July 2012.
- ^ "Judy Murray rewards Bucks mum". Buckinghamshire Tennis News. LTA. 25 June 2010. Archived from the original on 9 July 2012. Retrieved 4 July 2012.
- ^ "'Tennis First' Dinner dance at All England Club Nov 12th!". Surrey Tennis News. LTA. 2 November 2011. Archived from the original on 30 June 2012. Retrieved 4 July 2012.
- ^ "Double tennis joy for Laura Deigman". Buckinghamshire Examiner. Trinity Mirror North West & North Wales. 2 December 2010. Archived from the original on 20 April 2013. Retrieved 4 July 2012.
- ^ Farr, Simon (26 March 2009). "Great Missenden singer to tour with Girls Aloud". This is Local London – In Focus. Newsquest. Retrieved 4 July 2012.
- ^ "Emma's a girl aloud! – Bucks' Emma Deigman talks about her career so far as she prepares to tour with Girls Aloud". BBC Local – Beds, Herts and Bucks – Music Features. BBC. 19 March 2009. Retrieved 4 July 2012.