Dala What You Must FAM

Dala FAM, whose real name is Ndalama Marvel Mukhari is a musician from Waterval in Limpopo. He is an ambitious soul who’d like to see Tsonga Rap as an established genre within the South African Hip Hop scene.

Q: When did you fall in love with Tsonga Rap and what steps did you take to perfect your craft?

A: It is strange because I’ve been rapping for over 10 years in English and never once wrote a song in Xitsonga. What’s even more strange is that both my parents were teachers, my mom taught Xitsonga as a home language but I’d never rap in my language. However, in 2014 I realized that my music needed a magic touch and I finally rapped in my home language. The first song I did in Xitsonga made it to the top 30 charts on ML FM. I then realized Xitsonga was the only thing missing in my music therefore I continued writing in this language.

Q: You’ve been ranked as one of the greatest rappers in Limpopo, how does that make you feel?

A: To be honest, it feels good and disappointing at the same time. The fact that I’ve been rated as one of the greatest in Limpopo disappoints me because I’ve heard many talented rappers in Limpopo that are just waiting to be discovered.

Q:What challenges have you faced so far in your career and what have you done to overcome them?

A: The biggest challenge is that people are interested in learning or understanding what my Tsonga lyrics mean. A lot of upcoming artists in the game are fighting for the same thing I am fighting for so I don’t think there’s a way to overcome it. You just need to keep doing what you do and compete with no one else but yourself.

Q: What is your view on Tsonga Rap in South Africa? Is it successful or struggling?

A: I believe we are still struggling but we are slowly getting there. I think the problem might be lack of unity among Tsonga rappers, we all want to be at the top but we never show each other support and lend a helping hand.

Q: Which other activities are you involved in except music? Tell us more.

A: I host events, run a studio that does recording, mixing and mastering for other artists and recently I’m doing a club-to-club tour for my first official music video; Ahi fambi.  So far, I have hosted this music video in 6 clubs around Gauteng including Moloko, Blue Room Hatfield, Cantare and many more.

Q: Which artists have you worked with and what did you learn from them?

A: I’ve worked with the likes of Sho Madjozi, Beats By Tweezy, Mash Sarila, P Post, Mizo Phyll and Maitele Wawe just to name a few. I’ve learned a lot from them because we all differ, my way of making music differs to how the next person makes music. So for us to be in one environment and create something for Limpopo is just amazing.

Q: Who inspires you and what kid of influence do they have in your life?

A: My late grandfather inspires me. He used to tell me never to give up on my dreams and look how far that little dream has got me. It is just unfortunate he’s no longer around to witness his only grandson accomplish everything he promised he would at a very young age.

Q: What is your advice to someone who’d like to follow in your footsteps?  

A: Hard work, prayer, patience. Those are the keys to success

Q: What’s your biggest life motto?

A: Before you can change the world, try to change yourself

Q: Tell us about your song, Ahi Fambi; what is about?

A: Ahi Fambi is just a club banger. It s a song that talks about meeting a beautiful girl at a party and just simply telling her that “Ahi Fambi” which means ‘let’s go’. However, during the party it gets so exciting to a point where you no longer want to leave with her. You want to stay with her and just vibe with everyone else until the end of the night. You can watch the Ahi Fambi video below.