[FEATURE] VIPER PRESENTS: DAN DRIZZY
Dan Drizzy is a talented singer and songwriter of Ghanaian and Nigerian descent, known for his ability to craft cinematic narratives and his affinity for blending Highlife and Afro-Universal sounds. Get to know him better via this interview….
What five words define your sound?
Local, Emotional, Non-fictional, Versatile and Mature.
Tell me something unique about your creative process
When I get completely absorbed in a really captivating series of musical notes, the way I create melodies reaches its highest point. The combination of harmonies and melodies working together gives a boost to my imagination, making it possible for me to create amazing musical arrangements. I find it much easier to create when the speed of the music feels deeply connected to me. However, when I don’t have an existing melody to start with, composing music can become boring and not inspiring. I get a lot of joy from experimenting with different sounds and textures, and then writing lyrics that go well with the music. It comes naturally for me to stay focused on the main subject, which means my musical creations always match the intended message or theme.
Which song of yours would you like people to hear first?
‘Manje’ for sure. That’s the resounding answer to what I have in store for my new project. With each passing day, the anticipation grows as I have meticulously crafted a masterpiece that will captivate minds and hearts alike.
What inspired you to make that song?
After my visit to Cape Town, I had an amazing opportunity to work with a talented singer from Congo who lives in Cape Town, South Africa. We collaborated and made ‘Manje’, which is inspired by the Amapiano music style. The word ‘Manje’ comes from the Zulu language and means “now.” Although Amapiano music has become very popular recently, it’s important to know that this song was recorded over a year ago and draws inspiration from the original South African sound. The song has two distinct parts: Adeline London sings beautifully about the intense feeling of falling in love instantly, while I focused on the temporary appeal of desire and the consequences it can bring. The lyrics of ‘Manje’ mix Zulu and broken English, which gives the song a unique flavour and makes it culturally rich and artistically deep. By combining our talents and creativity, we wanted to make a piece of music that connects with listeners on both emotional and intellectual levels.
What’s the most vulnerable you’ve allowed yourself to be when writing/making music?
I use my memories of past experiences with unfulfilled romantic relationships to create beautiful music. These memories bring me comfort and I turn them into captivating melodies. By exploring these failed relationships, I embrace the mix of sadness and sweetness that fills each note, making my music enchanting. This connection between my past pain and harmonious melodies helps me form a close bond with my listeners. Together, we go on a journey through our shared romantic past, filled with complex emotions.
What’s the best/worst experience you’ve had on stage?
I remember one. So we got a chance to perform in front of a huge audience of more than 5000 people in eastern Ghana. Even though the sound on the stage was not very good, we didn’t give up and gave our best. Our strong will and talent showed as we performed with great passion and created a show that the audience will never forget. They were amazed by our performance.
What is your favourite song to perform?
My favourite song to perform is definitely ‘2Kidney’ because it’s indigenous and it tells a story.
Which artist/song/album made you want to make music?
So, when it comes to influential figures in the music industry who made me want to make music, two artists who immediately come to mind are Daddy Lumba and Duncan Mighty. Their exceptional branding and musical prowess have left a lasting impact on the industry. Personally, I draw inspiration from their remarkable careers and the way they have captured the hearts of fans worldwide. I don’t have a specific song or album that ignited my passion for music, witnessing the success and artistry of these iconic artists has fuelled my desire to pursue a musical path. Their ability to connect with audiences and create timeless music has motivated me to explore my own creative potential.
What’s the meaning behind your name?
To be honest, Dan Drizzy initially originated from my close-knit circle of family and friends, and over time, it grew on me and became my identity.
If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing instead?
I think I’d be working with my mum.
What’s success to you?
To me, success means achieving many connected dreams. It involves building a strong team and reaching the highest point in my career. Being successful means carefully choosing talented people and creating a friendly and cooperative environment where each team member’s strengths are used to succeed together. It also means constantly working on my personal growth, getting better in my chosen field, and pushing myself to do more. By aiming for excellence and supporting my team, I want to leave a lasting mark with great accomplishments and meaningful contributions to my career and beyond.
What moment in your life/career forced you to change direction?
When I worked together with Yaa Pono, a famous rapper from Ghana, people really liked our music and it made my career in music much better. This was a very important moment in my life because it made me believe even more that music was what I wanted to do forever. The amazing support and attention I got from working with such a well-known artist made me even more committed to following a career in music and made me want to achieve even more success.
Where can people keep in touch with you?
All socials is @kul_drizzy, and Dan Drizzy on all DSPs.
