Mr Dutch, real name Bright Ukpabi, is the latest talent to come out of Nigeria to feature South African amapiano stars and is taking over radio stations and topping charts across the globe.
His big break was when he did a song called Antidote featuring Solid Star, and he cemented his name with his hit song E no Finish with Burna Boy.
His latest single Ungowami featuring amapiano star Aymos has him showing a different side to his artistry.
“That song was an organic collaboration. Aymos sings in isiZulu 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 I connect with and not just have meaningless features,” he told TshisaLIVE.
Mr Dutch did a Q&A session with TshisaLIVE on the strides he's been taking in the music industry.
How do you choose your collaborations?
I choose the 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.
What inspires your music and the themes you sing about?
My music is inspired by my journey and where I am with everything in life. I sing about love, empowerment, encouragement, spirituality. 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 was the life-changing moment that set the tone for your career?
The day I opened a concert for Wizkid in Johannesburg stands out for me. It was a great crowd. To open for a big star meant a lot to me. I feel gifted being able to translate my feeling through my music.
Where do you get your fashion sense and who are your fashion icons?
First and foremost, Tyler The Creator’s self-expression is magical. That is me. Kanye West, Andre 3000 and the late Virgil Abloh. These are creative but simple looks. 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.
My style is very simple. I know people can't help to look at me twice because it is 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.
Who are some of your role models in music 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. 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.
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.
‘My music is inspired by my journey’ — Five minutes with rising star Mr Dutch
Image: Supplied
Mr Dutch, real name Bright Ukpabi, is the latest talent to come out of Nigeria to feature South African amapiano stars and is taking over radio stations and topping charts across the globe.
His big break was when he did a song called Antidote featuring Solid Star, and he cemented his name with his hit song E no Finish with Burna Boy.
His latest single Ungowami featuring amapiano star Aymos has him showing a different side to his artistry.
“That song was an organic collaboration. Aymos sings in isiZulu 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 I connect with and not just have meaningless features,” he told TshisaLIVE.
Mr Dutch did a Q&A session with TshisaLIVE on the strides he's been taking in the music industry.
How do you choose your collaborations?
I choose the 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.
What inspires your music and the themes you sing about?
My music is inspired by my journey and where I am with everything in life. I sing about love, empowerment, encouragement, spirituality. 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 was the life-changing moment that set the tone for your career?
The day I opened a concert for Wizkid in Johannesburg stands out for me. It was a great crowd. To open for a big star meant a lot to me. I feel gifted being able to translate my feeling through my music.
Where do you get your fashion sense and who are your fashion icons?
First and foremost, Tyler The Creator’s self-expression is magical. That is me. Kanye West, Andre 3000 and the late Virgil Abloh. These are creative but simple looks. 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.
My style is very simple. I know people can't help to look at me twice because it is 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.
Who are some of your role models in music 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. 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.
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.
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