In the rhythm of Nigeria’s pulsing music scene, where beats bloom like stars in a midnight sky, DRKCHLD emerges as a budding producer with a sound that speaks from the soul. His new album, ‘Love Letters to the Game’, marks a defining moment for this introspective artist. For AFRÉ MAGAZINE, we spotlight DRKCHLD, tracing his journey from a quiet upbringing to a vibrant force in music production, weaving his story with the passion and authenticity that define his craft.
As a child, DRKCHLD preferred the comfort of home over the clamor of social life. He found solace in music, a love sparked by one of his close relatives who filled their home with the sounds of Dagrin and 2Pac. “He was always playing music,” DRKCHLD recalls. “I’d just listen, and that’s where my passion began.” This reserved upbringing in Nigeria shaped a producer who thrives behind the scenes, channeling his energy into beats that resonate with depth and calm. Music became his way to engage with the world, a sanctuary where he could explore without stepping into the spotlight.
His journey into production started in 2017, fresh from secondary school with time to experiment. Self-taught and curious, he began by remaking songs like “Come Closer” to understand melodies, eventually crafting his own beats. “I had no idea how it worked at first,” he says. “But I kept researching.” His breakthrough came in 2023 with “Render”,a track from his debut EP, ‘8:08pm’. Recorded in a room of novices, the session was raw and exhilarating. “We were just trying things out,” he shares. “Everything fell into place.” That project turned a hobby into a full-time career. University life sealed his decision, as seeing peers pursue their passions inspired him to make music his business. “I already loved production,” he says. “I thought, why not go all in?”
‘Love Letters to the Game’ is DRKCHLD's heartfelt dedication to music, a craft that has given him joy and purpose. The album, leaning into R&B with slower tempos, reflects his growth since ‘8:08pm’. “It’s about my evolution,” he says. “I’ve been working, refining my sound.” His creative process is organic and relaxed, prioritizing chemistry over control. He lets artists express themselves freely, fostering a vibe where sessions feel like friends chilling at home. “There’s no pressure,” he explains. “I want everyone to be comfortable and bring their best.” After a few tracks, the idea for an album took shape, resulting in a project that’s cohesive and soulful.
Influenced by producers like Metro Boomin, Sarz, and P2J, DRKCHLD's sound blends trap, hip-hop, and Afrobeats. “Metroboomin was huge when I started,” he says. “Sarz’s sound always stood out.” Artists like Wizkid, Burna Boy, Drake, and Michael Jackson also shape his work, their music a constant in his playlist. While he’s primarily a producer, he’s dabbled in songwriting, co-writing tracks like “Up Close” and “Render.” “I don’t sing,” he admits, “but I’ve written to keep creating.”
The name DRKCHLD comes from his university days, when coursemates called him “Omo Dudu,” meaning dark-skinned guy. Proud and unapologetic, he stylized it into a brand that’s now tied to his rising star. “I embraced it,” he says. “It’s who I am.” As an introvert in the social whirl of the music industry, he balances authenticity with necessity. “I don’t try to please everyone,” he explains. “I find common ground and stay true to myself.” This approach has fueled his growth, evident in the polish of his latest work.
A perfectionist at heart, DRKCHLD often revisits “finished” tracks, listening as a fan to ensure they connect. “I ask myself, how would I react to this?” he says. “If something’s off, I fix it, no matter how small.” This dedication shines in ‘Love Letters to the Game’, a project he hopes will resonate widely. Looking ahead, he dreams of working with Sarz, Metro Boomin, P2J, and P-Prime, producers whose innovative work inspires him. “Their projects excite me,” he says. “They shape the sound of today.”
DRKCHLD's story is one of turning solitude into sound, passion into profession. ‘Love Letters to the Game’ captures his journey, a testament to a producer who’s quiet in demeanor but bold in impact. As he continues to carve his path, Nigeria’s music scene has a new star to watch.
Stream ‘Love Letters to the Game’, here.