Show them we exist – them in a dream
With the death of Oliver Mutukudzi the greatest musician from Zimbabwe EVER., I begun to look at other artists that have been making an impact and making waves in the world. This has inspired a series of pieces entitled Zimbabwean In The World.
In this segment, I will be focusing on a young 22 years old born in Hatfield Harare. His name is Darlington Chikwewo. If this name does not ring a bell it is probably because most of you know him as Young DLC. At a tender age of just 9, he made his first song and he has never looked back. Pushing the barrier and across the Limpopo, he made a name for himself.
For those that don’t know this Zimbabwean in the World. Young DLC is a Pretoria based writer, producer and DJ, who was part of Coke Studio Africa 2017 as a Producer, in Nairobi, Kenya. Young DLC is signed to Sony ATV Publishing South Africa as a producer and songwriter. Some of Young DLC’s productions are available in top European production music libraries for Adverts and Film. You better dig that.
We had a conversation with him to get to know more about well everything to do with Young DLC.
What has been your biggest motivator
Life. (This has got to be the rawest response ever. Plain and simple. I couldn’t even ask for more)
What song do you have on repeat in your playlist?
Whichever beat I’d have made that day or my latest beat.
Do you have an album or EP in the works?
No album or EP at the moment but a whole lotta exciting collabs. The young man’s love for music can be attributed to the fact that his father (Lazarus Chikwevo) is also a producer and musician, which would also explain how his passion grew at such a young age. He is the owner of VoJ Studios.
Who would you like to collaborate with?
Other creatives. I live for good vibrations and creative energy.
What would you say pushed you towards EDM?
The first music production software I learnt to use was all about dance music.
Musically, what are your biggest influences and who are your favourite artists?
I don’t any specific favourites but I just appreciate any music that challenges my own thinking, music that makes me ask myself why I didn’t think of that ????
What do you enjoy most, being the producer or the artist?
I think music production. I love having other styles on my beats.
Go back to 10 years old you. DId you see yourself here?
(laughs) Nah it was just a hobby then, it still is, at least it feels like it is???? lol
What haven’t you attempted yet that you hope to?
Do a sungura and zimbo traditional fusion.
What do you want to accomplish this year?
LOL make more music ??♂ and have a few hit tracks???
What is your dream performance?
Tomorrowland.
What do you think about Neverland Zimbabwe?
It’s good, shows growth in the local EDM market. It’s something to look up to at the end of every year.
Where to from here?
(light chuckle) The future. Good times Ahead.
I do not doubt it for a second and I just hope you don’t forget to send me a ticket. The boy at his young age has worked with a Netherlands record label been a producer on Coke Studio SA 2016 where he produced for Aewon Wolf and Jade McDonalds, for their song; “Run Away” which is on rotation on 5fm.