The Ghanaian star shares his wisdoms on freedom and enjoyment from his upcoming album
On the phone with DarkoVibes, it’s clear that he has entered his era of freedom. In between poor network static and the occasional hum of aeroplanes flying overhead, he makes grand statements of unity and asserts the belief that no idea, goal or outcome is beyond his reach. That’s because this Ghanaian afrofusion star has done the ground work. Born Paul Nii Amu Andrew Darko, his early tracks such as the 2016 debut ‘Mercy’, followed by ’Shutdown’ and ‘Tomorrow’, saw him confidently stir traces of afro-soul, highlife and electronic sounds to provide a clear picture of what he has to offer to the world.
His luscious rhythms have led Darko to collaborations with heavyweights including Mr Eazi, Wizkid and Boj and form the alternative collective, La Meme Gang with Kiddblack, Nxwrth, $pacely, RJZ and Kwaku BS. Along the way, he continued to build an authentic patchwork of sonics and hone his ability to create intuitively by telling stories that uphold his motto of never taking life too seriously.
Now established as a vibe generator, he’s ready for the arrival of his third album ‘Butifly’, which sees him work with La Meme Gang as well as Davido, Oxlade, Stonebwoy, King Promise and Boomski Radio. He began the rollout by channelling feelings of seduction in ‘Happy Days’ before welcoming the driving trap style of ‘Yao’, which means ‘may it come to pass/ we stand firm’. Of the song, he says, “It is a form of affirmation. The record is filled with witty and braggadocious lyrics. This one is pure African spiritual vibes!”
In this conversation with Nataal, DarkoVibes speaks on championing teamwork in all aspects of his creativity.
What did you grow up listening to at home and in your neighbourhood?
My family is really enthused about music and that was passed on to me. I grew up listening to my dad’s CDs - jazz, blues, hip hop, R&B, the list goes on. That’s the type of energy that propelled me to start doing music, even seeing how those different genres work.
When did you decide to become DarkoVibes?
It was in high school when I started thinking about doing music full-time. I used to do rap battles and perform at different schools but the first time I hit the studio was the bottom line for me in realising that I wanted to do this. I have never had any plan B.
As you evolve as an artist what has your music come to represent?
My music represents freedom. I believe there’s enough space for everyone in the sky and everything and anything is possible as long as you put your mind to it.
You’re a part of the collective La Meme Gang who are skilled in music, fashion and visual art. How did you guys connect?
We met in the studio and then we started recording songs together and those songs started catching vibes. People loved them and the way we pulled up to support each other at our shows. We have our own things going now but we can still all of us come together like the Power Rangers to save the world. La meme means ‘the same’, so we are the same gang, cut from the same cloth.
What inspires you to experiment with so many different sounds?
It’s mostly how I feel in the moment or how the beat makes me feel. Ghana, more than anything, is a very amicable country so we’ve accepted a lot of cultures over the years, which brings different musical influences. Ghanaians are known for highlife or hiplife but people fuck with French music out here, Spanish music, we have a heavy hip hop culture and so many other genres are doing well all because of our radios and our parents.
So, what is the DarkoVibes signature today?
I look at my music like movies so I’m making characters and not really focusing on style. I learnt this a bit from Kendrick Lamar. I feel like when he’s recording, he has a whole movie playing in his head. You see that Kendrick is always experimenting and challenging himself to do better. Same goes for Andre 3000 or Sizzla. That’s how I feel when I’m creating and expressing my ideas.
On your upcoming album ‘Butifly’ you explore themes of enjoyment and living a fruitful life. What is your over-arching message?
‘Butifly’ basically tells you that it's flight mode right now. It’s time to level up and let these people know that you can be anything that you’ve ever thought of, just don’t let your inferiority complex get the best of you. You are god so you fly. This whole concept is based on aerodynamics, space and everything that’s free like a bird.
You’ve worked with a range of producers and collaborators to realise this project. What was the creative process like?
I mostly go with the flow but more than anything I make sure that there’s an energy. This album is a playlist I’ve created and loved over the years. It’s made up of songs I can’t get over and I’ve chosen for my friends and family to jam to and I’m sharing that experience with my fans. It’s lifestyle music. I believe in teamwork so I’m never alone. I make sure everyone around me is involved and participating.
How important was incorporating Ga, Twi and pidgin English into the music?
For me it’s just vibes, it's nothing stressful or major. I grew up learning a lot of languages, I love French and I want to start learning Chinese. I would put all of them in the music as long as what I’m saying makes sense and it will sit well with people.
What one message do you hope ‘BUTiFLY’ leaves for your fans?
Believe that things are possible. How big you feel in your mind is what will be if you keep pushing. That’s what this album represents.
‘Yao’ by DarkoVibes is out now. Discover it here.