Straight out of Jozi, this musical duo is putting respect into the South African music scene.
The OGs would be proud. Darkie Fiction, a synergy of the talent of rapper Katt Daddy and vocalist Yoza Mnyanda, is not only setting the South African music scene ablaze, they’re also keeping the classics alive – but with a modern twist.
Working together since 2016, navigating a romantic relationship and parenting two young children, and still climbing the African charts, Darkie Fiction is the epitome of heart and soul.
“After having our own individual music careers, we realised we had the same views on the music industry and a similar taste in music, so we decided to start Darkie Fiction,” they say.
Regulars on the line-up at Mzansi’s hottest music spots and festivals, the pair have been on a creative journey that gives their audience what they need: comfort and imagination through well-crafted music. Performing at Afropunk, Barcadi Holiday Club and Design Indaba, Darkie Fiction has experienced some great vibes from crowds, affirming their hard work.
“Performing at Oppi Koppi in 2018 will forever be a highlight for us. The whole crowd sang our song ‘Malibongwe’ back to us and that was our first ever festival performance. It was very affirming,” they say.
Darkie Fiction has also been recognised by Apple Music South Africa for their hit ‘Bhoza’, which featured in a KFC ad this year – six years after its release. “We dreamed of this moment for six years and it happened this year. Praise God!”
Humble and spiritual
Inspired by local music legends like Brenda Fassie, Caiphus Semenya, Letta Mbulu, TKZee, Boom Shaka, Victor Ntoni and Little Dragon, the duo explain that making music for them isn’t as easy as just ‘finding the passion within’. It’s waking up at 5am, brainstorming concepts and stories, and still considering their children’s naps and feeding times.
“Still locating the balance as we speak LOL,” Yoza says. However, that’s exactly how their best work is made. “It’s about having the right energy in the room, leaving egos at the door and having a common goal of making something of a certain quality and standard. We are working on having a home studio outside of the main house, though, and once that’s done we will probably spend every day in there. We are so excited for the music that is going to come out of that space,” they say.
“We will be able to have more freedom and time without a toddler running in or a baby tugging at our leg. The older they get and the more they can sit still, the more we will involve them in the process for sure.”
Since their inception, Darkie Fiction has viewed South African culture, the significance of its history and diversity, as the major component of their music. Their single ‘Belinda’, released in July, is testament to their growth in sound and storytelling; it tells the nostalgic story many of us can relate to, about that person who embodies acceptance and transformation, “who comes into your life and changes it, the one you can’t imagine living without”, they told Channel O.
Humble and spiritual, ‘Belinda’ is testament to their evolution in musical storytelling and resonates with authenticity and cultural pride – a fiery younger sister to tracks like ‘My Ntliziyo’ and ‘Selula’.
Rise up!
Not only do Darkie Fiction work their magic in the recording studio, they also make sure their visual work is compelling and captivating, lending itself to the effectiveness of the overall experience. The way they like to describe it is that Yoza is the ‘eyes’ and Katt is the ‘ears’ of the duo.
In 2018, they released a short YouTube documentary, Little America, directed by Yoza and commissioned by Trace Southern Africa and the Gauteng Film Commission. The “visual journal entry” talks about the cultural significance of music like kwaito and the importance of driving authentic South African sound, touching on how American music culture affects the way music is made in our country.
“Now that the music industry in South Africa is booming, we realised that it is important to preserve what really sounds South African,” they say in the opening of the documentary. “Little America is our quest to uncover the workings of the SA music industry. As musicians, we find it disturbing how commercial music in our country sounds more Westernised than local.”
A powerful piece on the SA hip-hop scene, Little America showcases Yoza and Katt’s understanding of music discourse, coupled with their passion for their culture and how it is lived through others within the same community. They interview young artists such as Nadia Nakai, Moonchild Sanelly and DJ Sliqe, relaying their opinions about the country’s music industry.
Despite struggling with financial resources and the usual plights of the music scene, Darkie Fiction is still motivated to produce visually and audibly stunning works of South African art that are fuelled by musical exploration, joy and boundless creativity.
“We have always prioritised ‘the long game’ over quick success and will never budge on that. We want to continue to make music that is timeless and true to who we are and our convictions.”
Quick fire questions
- What are your immediate and long-term goals? More fire singles and starting on our debut album once our studio is complete.
- What are your dream collaborations? Sun-El Musician and Little Dragon.
- How do you keep the peace? What works for us is honesty and always keeping it real with each other.
Words by: Saadiqah Schroeder
Photography: JB Brooks
