In this series, we’re highlighting our VERSIONS Alumni. You’ll learn about their transformative journeys with and through the VERSIONS Youth Fellowship.

David

Hailing from Lagos, Nigeria, David Ogundeji’s love for music has remained the cornerstone of his life. His friends and family unanimously preach about his passion and dedication to his craft. Since childhood, melodies and rhythms have been his constant companions, sparking joy and inspiration. This VERSIONS Fellow can pinpoint where his music journey truly began: “Church was where I was able to showcase myself and my talent.”

But David’s musical repertoire extends beyond worship songs; his music reflects his emotions and experiences. He uses music to explore themes of love and inspire movements in the name of social justice. “I try to share my experiences with people through my music.”

 

The Journey to VERSIONS

Motivated by his desire for growth and new experiences, David applied for the VERSIONS Youth Fellowship—an opportunity he viewed as a chance to elevate both himself and his music to new heights. “I was looking for opportunities to grow and learn and give myself new experiences. Applying felt like a chance to get everything I wanted.”

Little did he know that this decision would not only open doors to the music industry but also lead him on a transformative journey of personal and professional development.

Composed of a diverse group of international recording artists, music professionals, activists and community leaders, David knew VERSIONS was a chance to better himself and work with people he would never have had access to otherwise. “I would finally get to work with professionals to learn more about the music business and activism. And the fact that I had the chance to chat with people from all over the world was wild.”

David recalls the moment he realized he was accepted to the program, “I hadn’t told anyone I applied. And when I did, I literally screamed and ran through the house and outside. No one in my house knew what was happening—but I couldn’t contain my excitement. I was on Cloud 9.”

Eye-Opening Experiences

The Fellowship offered curated workshops which exposed the Fellows to topics they otherwise may not have come across in standard education systems. One of the main topics they explore is colonialism and how its impacts reach even the most unexpected of
places.

David says, “I didn’t think we had an issue with racism in Nigeria because most people here are Black. But I’ve learned through VERSIONS how things that affected generations before us still impact us today.”

The Fellowship is designed to challenge preconceived notions about the way society is structured and open participants’ eyes to a new way of thinking. David says, “I was growing in ways I didn’t think I needed to and learning about things I’d never thought about.”

Social Impact Project

As part of the VERSIONS Fellowship, each Fellow designs and implements their own social impact project in their communities about an issue they are passionate about. David had leadership experience, but he knew his weaknesses and says VERSIONS helped him overcome them. “I have this anxiety when talking to people. I hide it well, but it’s there. So it was scary organizing my social impact project, but now I can stand in the face of my fear and not run from it.”

For David’s social impact project, he hosted a mental health workshop in Ayobo with a guest psychologist and partnered with Mentally Aware Nigeria, a local NGO, to offer free counseling. He also shared pamphlets with students to encourage them to become mental
health advocates and spread awareness.

David says in his community, people discuss mental health as a theory but don’t put it into practice because of stereotypes that surround the topic. He recalls a time when he was facing trauma and kept it to himself, not letting anyone know he was struggling, which only made his situation worse. David wants to make sure other people don’t make the same mistake he did. “There is no shame and no weakness in asking for help and taking care of our mental health. The more we open up and talk to other people about it, the less fear and stigma we’ll encounter and the more we’ll improve our mental health.”

Initially, David didn’t think he could make a difference. “I didn’t think it mattered if I tried to make a difference. But I’ve realized after my social impact project that things do change. Even if it’s small.”

Since graduating from VERSIONS, David says he feels like a stronger leader. “I feel more confident in myself, and now I truly see myself as a leader.”

Heading: A Space to Be Vulnerable

Crafting a space where Fellows feel comfortable enough to be themselves and share their stories is vital to VERSIONS. David felt this was one of the most impactful parts of the program. “People were really vulnerable. They spoke about t

heir personal experiences with racism, and it was special to be a space where people felt comfortable enough to share and among people who wanted to listen.”

A Note to Future Applicants and Fellows

David’s advice to future applicants and fellows is to be committed. “It’s easy to back out when things get tough, but this work is important, and the people involved are trying to make a change. The Fellowship is about coming together to share ideas and resources, grow, and help each other. That’s what a Fellowship is, and it’s worth being a part of.”

Gratitude All Around

Looking back, David believes applying to the VERSIONS Youth Fellowship was one of his best decisions. It was an experience that helped him grow into the leader and musician he’s been striving to become.

“VERSIONS has really been one of the best parts of my life. And I cannot express how grateful I am for the opportunities, the people, and the experiences, the workshops, the vocal training and the songwriting sessions, and the Fellowship itself.”