Leave us with five tracks that define your South African roots and why? I’m doing a lot of touring and I’m working on new music due for release between now and 2020. What’s next on the horizon for you throughout 2018? We are being approached and we are also doing some approaching. What’s the sonic vision of the label and how do you go about signing artists? Or perhaps they approach you first?ĭe Song Music is a home to put artists of all kinds on the radar and further express themselves in different territories, just like how the opportunity was given for me at some point.Ĭoming from a country of diversity when it comes to musical colours, De Song Music is limitless in the sound of the future, I wouldn’t say Afro this Afro that, just music and good vibes. You also head up your own imprint De Song Music. It’s a plateau of opportunity, musical expression and most importantly FUN! I’m happy to join the Blue Marlin family! I love this about the island because it further enhances my vision as a DJ and a brand. Music is a business in serving people and the island teaches you that.
But when I played DC-10 some years back, I realised the island houses the scene well and it’s great for business. My first impression was an island of reckless partying, powder paradise and models. It can be pretty overwhelming considering the beauty of the White Isle but it can also be quite an intense place with the relentless partying environment… What was your first impression of the island? You’ve just started your Blue Marlin Ibiza residency which is a huge milestone for any aspiring DJ. This move launched me well as a producer in the scene as there became a demand for my sound. Coincidentally he was working on his second studio album and we collaborated on a track. He liked the music I was doing and used to give him samples. I met Coffee around ‘06 through Kabila, they are childhood friends. How did you cross paths with Black Coffee? I started participating in electronic music when I moved there and had access to clubs by carrying DJ Kabila’s bags. There’s a special house music following in the province of Kwa Zulu - Natal which also houses Durban, the city with one of the most vibrant party scenes. They compiled mostly international tunes and that’s how I got in touch with the global vibe like most local kids. I come from rural Eshowe and I used access compilation cassettes mixed by the country’s finest DJs at the time. How did you get into music on the northern parts of South Africa’s east coast? Was there a thriving electronic scene there? Let’s go back to the beginning of your career which is currently flourishing at the moment.
Since then, De Song’s career has gained full momentum with a Blue Marlin Ibiza residency and a slew of releases on Innervisions, Offering Recordings and his own imprint, De Song Music over the last few years.Ī fresh face from South Africa’s electronic community, De Song’s spirited fusion of tribal tech and percussion-led productions have brought him to the forefront of the global dance music scene, winning over a strong following of stretching from Eshowe to Ibiza to London to Bangkok.Īhead of his Egg LDN debut on 30th June, we caught up with De Song to delve further into his sonic roots which have paved the way to where he’s at today… Born in the northern parts of South Africa’s east coast, Culolethu Zulu, also known as Culoe De Song, earned his big break after joining Black Coffee’s imprint Soulistic.