Driemo seeks to cement his status

Having made his artistic breakthrough in 2017 with his single So Good, Afro-pop artist Driemo’s music career is among those fast-rising artistic tales of the modern era.

Since his first single, 24 others have followed, records have been set, several accolades bagged and his reputation continues to grow.

But in an interview with The Nation, Driemo said his fans are yet to get a feel of what his whole package is all about. He said that will only come through his upcoming debut album Mzaliwa.

The artist touted his versatility, saying his upcoming album will have a different feel,genres and concepts that people will enjoy.

“It is time to show people who I am and what I am capable of doing. It is not just about the love songs, Driemo is more than that. I want to show diversity in my concepts in this album,” he said.

The artist, who was born and raised in Nkhotakota, said the album will have 20 songs, some of them new and others a collection of singles he has released so far. He said the album is 85 percent done with its launch slated for August 12.

According to the artist, Mzaliwa means a native from a particular place (nzika). The album is being produced by TakTik and Fat Nyanda at Frame City Studios in Ntchisi where Driemo is based.

He said: “Releasing of albums is thought to be a dying culture, but I have faith this album will give people a different perception about albums. They will certainly love this one.”

Reflecting on his career so far, the Weni Weni hitmaker said it has been a bumpy road to get where he is. However, he said his faith and hard work have gotten him where he is today.

The 25-year-old said as a newcomer, it is always tough to source funding for one’s art and being subjected to unfair criticism.

Driemo said he never expected to be where he is now, but he had firm belief that he will make it one day.

“I take the support from people and success as my own inspiration and a stepping stone to greater heights,” he said. 

His manager Van Ngongo said the artist has shown that he knows what he wants and his focus has brought him such instant success. He said they are working hard to give Malawians the best music in his first album.

He said: “When a new artist comes on the scene, it is tough because there is nobody who knows them. You need to be patient and invest more in marketing and promotion. But I would say it has been a good journey.”

Mzaliwa will be released under Van Ngongo Entertainment. Driemo  recently finished studying for his bachelor of science in public health degree at University of Livingstonia in Rumphi.