In a crowded musical landscape, dESH.DUBS, born Desh Chisukulu, stands out as a true original. The Dutch-Zambian artist seamlessly blends Reggae, Dancehall, Afrobeats, and R&B into a sound that feels as organic as it is revolutionary. Based in the Netherlands, he’s been lauded for his “lazy yet dope” vocal delivery–a smooth, rich tone paired with sharp, introspective lyrics tackling themes of spirituality, resilience, and social justice.
But dESH.DUBS isn’t just a musician. He’s an academic, an interdisciplinary artist, and a cultural bridge-builder whose work resonates far beyond the stage.
FROM ZAMBIA TO THE WORLD: EARLY LIFE AND BEGINNINGS
dESH’s story begins in Zambia, where he made his first studio recording in 1991. His breakout came as a member of the Rap Prophets, a trailblazing gospel rap group that shook up Zambia’s music scene in the early ’90s. Alongside fellow innovators Joe Chibangu and Sailee Nyondo, dESH helped establish a new musical identity for Zambia, blending faith, rhythm, and raw lyricism in a way that hadn’t been done before.
That boldness–an unshakable drive to innovate–has defined his career ever since.
MUSICAL EVOLUTION: A GLOBAL SOUND WITH DEEP ROOTS
After relocating to the Netherlands, dESH.DUBS began honing his signature style. Drawing from the influence of ’90s legends like Buju Banton, Busta Rhymes, and the Fugees, his sound grew into a dynamic fusion of Reggae grooves, Afrobeat rhythms, and introspective lyricism. His solo debut, Nayanomba (2003), showcased this unique blend, setting the stage for critically acclaimed follow-ups like Lesa Somone (2005) and Still Raggamuffin (2013).
By the time “Above the Wicked” dropped in 2021, dESH.DUBS had cemented his place as a fearless storyteller and sonic innovator. Tracks like ‘Champion’ offered a rallying cry for the underdog, with dESH channelling raw emotion into every verse.
Now, with the release of ‘Ready’–the lead single from his 2024 album “MATAGLAP”–he’s raising the stakes yet again. A call for peace in a world scarred by conflict, the track captures dESH’s dual role as both artist and activist, weaving compelling messages into infectious beats.
THE ACADEMIC EDGE: A MASTER OF SOUND AND STORY
What sets dESH.DUBS apart isn’t just his music; it’s his mind. As a graduate of the Royal Academy of Art and Royal Conservatory in The Hague, he holds a degree in ArtScience–a cutting-edge program that fuses art, technology, and scientific inquiry. This interdisciplinary training shaped dESH’s multimedia approach, pushing him to innovate not just within music but across visual and conceptual art forms.
He didn’t stop there. Driven by a desire to deepen his understanding of cultural identity and the African experience, dESH earned a Master’s degree in African Studies from Leiden University. His academic work delves into Africa’s historical and socio-political landscapes, equipping him with the tools to explore the continent’s complexities in his music. Through research and creative practice, dESH.DUBS crafts narratives that challenge stereotypes and amplify marginalized voices.
THE SOUND OF CHANGE
Rooted in tradition but never confined by it, dESH.DUBS’ music is a bold experiment in cultural fusion. Whether he’s delivering gritty reggae bars or layering Afrobeats rhythms with haunting melodies, his voice carries the weight of someone who’s seen both struggle and triumph–and isn’t afraid to tell the story. With “MATAGLAP”, dESH.DUBS is poised to deliver his most ambitious project yet. Named for an Indonesian term describing blinding rage, the album is a sonic journey through themes of resistance, unity, and personal reckoning. Featuring collaborations with Milz, The Mask, and Ty2, it promises to be both a reflection of his roots and a leap forward in his evolution as an artist.
WHY DESH.DUBS MATTERS
In a world of fleeting trends and cookie-cutter sounds, dESH.DUBS reminds us of music’s power to inspire, challenge, and unite. He’s not just making tracks; he’s making a statement–one that resonates whether you’re in Lusaka, Amsterdam, or anywhere in between.
dESH.DUBS isn’t just an artist to watch. He’s an artist you need to hear.
