dESH.DUBS: The Dutch-Zambian artiste fusing Reggae, Afrobeats and Activism
Based in the Netherlands, dESH.DUBS has garnered attention for his laid-back yet compelling vocal delivery, fusing introspective storytelling with rich, layered beats
In an increasingly saturated global music scene, dESH.DUBS, born Desh Chisukulu, is emerging as one of the most original voices redefining African sound.
The Dutch-Zambian artiste blends Reggae, Dancehall, Afrobeats, and R&B into a genre-bending style that is as thought-provoking as it is rhythmically infectious.
Based in the Netherlands, dESH.DUBS has garnered attention for his laid-back yet compelling vocal delivery, fusing introspective storytelling with rich, layered beats.
But beyond the mic, he is also an academic, cultural curator, and social commentator—an artist whose work transcends borders and genres.
From Zambia to the world
dESH.DUBS’ journey began in Zambia, where he recorded his first studio track in 1991. He gained prominence as a member of the Rap Prophets, a pioneering gospel rap group that helped shape Zambia’s early ’90s music scene.
Alongside Joe Chibangu and Sailee Nyondo, the group challenged musical conventions, blending faith-based themes with gritty lyricism and a strong rhythmic identity.
That spirit of innovation has remained a hallmark of dESH’s career.
A sound with global roots
After relocating to the Netherlands, dESH.DUBS refined his sound, drawing from musical icons like Buju Banton, Busta Rhymes, and The Fugees.
His debut solo album, Nayanomba (2003), introduced listeners to a distinctive fusion of Afrobeats rhythms, Reggae grooves, and socially conscious lyrics.
Follow-up projects such as Lesa Somone (2005) and Still Raggamuffin (2013) further solidified his reputation as a genre-defying artist.
In 2021, Above the Wicked marked a career high, with standout tracks like Champion delivering powerful anthems of resilience and self-worth.
In 2024, he returned with Ready—the lead single from his upcoming album MATAGLAP. A timely call for peace in a world grappling with war and division, the song sees dESH once again marrying activism with artistry.
Music meets academia
What distinguishes dESH.DUBS isn’t just his sound, but also his intellectual depth. A graduate of both the Royal Academy of Art and Royal Conservatory in The Hague, he holds a degree in ArtScience, an interdisciplinary programme at the intersection of art, science, and technology.
His commitment to understanding African identity led him to pursue a Master’s degree in African Studies at Leiden University.
His academic research informs his creative work, enabling him to dissect complex historical and socio-political themes through music, performance, and visual storytelling.
Through this dual lens, dESH crafts music that is culturally grounded, intellectually challenging, and emotionally resonant.
The MATAGLAP era
His forthcoming album, MATAGLAP—a word of Indonesian origin describing an uncontrollable rage—dives deep into themes of conflict, healing, and unity. Featuring collaborations with Milz, The Mask, and Ty2, the album offers a cross-cultural musical journey rooted in African consciousness.
Whether rapping over gritty basslines or singing over soul-infused melodies, dESH’s voice carries the wisdom of lived experience—and the urgency of a message that needs to be heard.
At a time when global pop often leans toward predictability, dESH.DUBS challenges the norm. He is not just creating music for entertainment, but crafting soundscapes that interrogate identity, inspire dialogue, and amplify marginalised voices.
His ability to move between Lusaka and Amsterdam—between studio and seminar room—makes him one of the most dynamic artists of his generation.
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