Emerging Naija: Dan Drizzy

Behind a growing catalogue of singles and 2021’s Business EP, Dan Drizzy, who has gained impressive traction in Ghana’s underground circuit and landed collaborations with notable colleagues like Eugy, Medikal, and Ponobiom, is anticipating his mainstream break in the coming years.

Born Daniel Odum, Dan Drizzy also traces his roots to South Africa. This has ensured that his music sits at the trifecta of influences. And so, his music oozes everything from Afrobeats to Ghanaian and South-Nigerian highlife and, lately, the South African-bred amapiano.

Dan Drizzy told Music In Africa that he has always felt connected to the ampiano sound. “I go with how I am feeling at the moment and I wouldn’t force any vibe on myself.”

The singer says he wants to connect the world to unique African sounds. If this goal seemed far-fetched years ago, it isn’t in 2022, thanks to the recent efforts of the likes of Wizkid and Burna Boy. His unique challenge as an independent artist, therefore, is not the inability to dream big, but the lack of resources and genuine support. “Nobody wants to build a house but they want to enjoy the finished house,” the singer said. Still, he will not be deterred. “I understand that’s how life work and I’m ready to face it head-on.”

On what informs his wide-ranging subject matter that explores the vain and serious alike, Dan Drizzy cites both fictional ideas and non-fictional events that have impacted him. Inspiration is everywhere, he holds. “My music is influenced by the words of my father, the voice of the streets, and the sound of a beat.”

Dan Drizzy crafted Business, his debut collection by leaning into a broad spectrum of styles in order to convey varied emotions and cultures from the continent while particularly honouring his paternal ancestry. The seven-song project unfolds in more than 10 African languages.

And so, what does 2022 hold for the man? “I am always creating music because I always have something to give,” he says.

Dan Drizzy is due to release a number of singles and music videos. More importantly, he is occupied with “building my fan base across the world and making a difference as an independent artist.”