Emerging Naija: Mr. Dutch

Now, the artist has returned with ‘Ungowami,’ featuring amapiano star Aymos. The track, bursting with Mr. Dutch’s signature laid-back style and catchy hooks, blends Afro genres and pop fusion sounds, tracking the vibe of the current Afropop scene and summer pulses.

“Ungowami bridges the gap between Afro-pop and amapiano and sees me team up with South African singer, Aymos,” Mr. Dutch said. “It is a certified love song. It tells the story of how far one will go for love. I wanted to deliver a vibrant take on the traditional love song. If love is a crime, I’m ready to be the most wanted.”

Mr. Dutch spoke to Music In Africa in the wake of the release, as part of our Emerging series, which highlights burgeoning talent from the continent.

MUSIC IN AFRICA: Could you walk us through your path to doing music full-time?

MR. DUTCH: Growing up in a family of seven children, I held the position of the youngest. This carried significance, as I had to establish my own identity amid those who preceded me. Demonstrating my uniqueness and embracing a distinct path was paramount – a chance to learn from their experiences. The weight of expectation rests on my shoulders, driving me to excel and secure the top spot. My upbringing was rooted in Christianity and I actively participated in the choir since the age of seven. Engaging with drums and lending my voice to the choir allowed me to indulge in the church’s entertainment facet, a pursuit that brought me immense contentment. Inevitably, my passion for music has never wavered. Even though I briefly studied IT, my heart remained with music. While there were few musicians in my family, I stood out. Early on, I recognised my calling, even though the path to realising it wasn’t clear.

Who are some of your technical models and why?

Michael Jackson and Fela Kuti have always been at the top of my list. I have a long list of people I love. But in South Africa, Oskido takes the crown even at this mature age. Chief Osadebe is also my icon and I hold the music dear to my heart.”

What inspires the subjects you address with your sound?

My music is inspired by my journey and where I am with everything in life. I sing about love, empowerment, encouragement, spirituality and love. It’s for when you are down, up, happy, celebrating, and for any point in life. But most are based on personal experiences and those close to me.

What one life-changing moment set the tone for your career?

The day I opened a concert for Wizkid stands out for me in Johannesburg. It was a great crowd. To open for a big star meant a lot to me. But I feel gifted being able to translate my feeling through my music.

Your creative expression often finds its way into your fashion. Can you provide a bit of insight about this?

My style is very simple. I know people can’t help to look at me twice because it’s simple but unique. I can manipulate looks, styles and cultures and bring them together in one look. This is who I am – simple but unique, it’s the Dutch level. Tyler, the Creator’s self-expression is magical. That is me. Kanye West, André 3000 and the late Virgil Abloh. These are creative but simple looks. But top of my list is Tyler, the Creator. I love Burna Boy’s ability to try different styles and not conform to gender-style norms.

How did your collaboration with Aymos happen?

It was an organic collaboration. Aymos sings sorely in Zulu and has a very indigenous sound. I love the traditional and cultural aspects of his music. I wanted to merge that with my style to create something authentic. That interpretation of love made the song authentic. Our connection was also authentic and not forced. I love to work with people that I connect with and not just have meaningless features. I choose collaborations on what I am trying to achieve with the music. Sometimes I want to tap into different regions or send certain messages. But all collaborations are meaningful. I don’t choose them based on their fame, growth or success. It’s all spiritually motivated.

Who else in South Africa would you like to work with?

I love Murumba Pitch. I love Msaki and I would like DJ Maphorisa and Kabza De Small to produce the work. These people’s music is soulful and expressive. The sound is African and soulful at the same time. Music needs to have soul, depth and be spiritual, and I hope to do that soon.