Step into the electrifying world of Zimbabwe’s music scene, where rhythms pulse with passion and lyrics weave tales of resilience and triumph. Today, we have the privilege of delving into the dynamic journey of Harare’s rising star, Denimwoods. With his sharp lyricism and infectious beats, Denimwoods has been making waves in the rap game, capturing the hearts and minds of listeners worldwide. Join us as we sit down with the man behind the mic, uncovering the inspirations, challenges, and aspirations that fuel his fiery artistry. Get ready to groove to the rhythm of Denimwoods’ story as we embark on a journey through the beats and bars that define his unique sound.
Hey there, thank you for taking the time to chat to ABAM and letting our world into yours!
You have a brilliant body of work and can’t wait to hear you open up to us…
VS: Alright, Off the top I’ve never asked you what Denimwoods means?
DW: [Laughs] Hardest question I’ve ever had to answer…
Hardest question I’ve ever had to answer…
VS: Lol someone asked me once. I got to thinking, hmm, he’s never told me. I guess now you get a chance to tell us how did the stage name come up. How old were you when you picked it out and did you have other names before you settled on it?
DW: So initially it was my Instagram name, because I used to dance before I started making music a lot of people didn’t know my real name from my handle, so the transition to becoming an artist it only felt right to leave it as “Denimwoods”. It’s one word now btwww!
VS: Makes sense! Are you still dancing? “Go Damarcus… Go Damarcus!”
DW: [Laughs] Well not actively pursuing a dancing career like was back then, but I still got some moves up my sleeve.
VS: I remember we had a conversation once in a car ride of how you started writing… Would you like to talk about that?
DW: My writing processes vary, they stem from my experiences or my imagination, so I could literally get an idea in the shower or whilst driving and right down right before I forget it with hopes of finishing it if when I settle down if it’s vivid enough. But normally I lay down ideas over time until it’s time for me to “lock-in” and work on music so I revisit them with a fresh mind.
VS: That’s amazing… you’re incredibly talented. When you started off how did you share that with people? Were you nervous or confident about your pen game! Do you remember your first supportive circle?
DW: Since a kid I’ve always kinda wanted to be in front of people or just showcasing shit, before this whole music thing dancing was all I knew for long time, I could I’ve always been sure about myself or what I was presenting out to people & I’ve always had supportive friends cause they saw how much I believed in myself I guess, shits tight if you got real ones around you
VS: I’d like to talk about your recent project “Dirty Corolla Music vol.1” which a incredible body of work, comprising of 8 well refined tunes, seems you knew exactly what you wanted to say. In a time where artists usually have a long track list. Are there some songs that never made the tape from the production of the album?
DW: there’s probably 2 songs that never made it on there because of due dates but the project as it is couldn’t have sounded better, things just happened to work out for the best. The reception on what I tried to portray was exactly what I wanted
VS: in this project we year a different side to you. I mean you came off in 2018 with “Voodoo” which was incredible, but you showed range in “Dirty Corolla Music” with a vulnerable side in songs like “05:00”, “Obsession” and “Call me”. Were you nervous to make that change ?
DW: I wasn’t nervous at all but rather excited to have my audience hear what else I had to offer. Being one dimensional is something I never strive for in everything I do, the more creative I could possibly get the happier I become.
VS: The Tape was well balanced and it let us into your life in sneaky way from your aspirations, to gang-gang and most importantly personal relationships, mental health and your family life. “speak on it” is a personal favorite as a young African creative entrepreneur with global dreams. I understand how that can build anxiety in a parent. How did you navigate your relationship with your mom and supporting your career choices ?
DW: like every other parent I’m sure they just want the best for their child, letting her little boy go completely has been a tug of war but we’ve found our rhythm & mutual ground coexist upon. The issue really being that I’m going for it without a “safety net” to fall back on if you know what I mean.
VS: I think you really let a lot off your chest in this project and I’m absolutely proud of you. What mental state were you in when you created this and how are you now?
DW: because of lockdown I had to really tap in with my myself & I became introspective about a lot, Which led me to over think everything of course but the experience had me mature emotionally & mentally. Right now I feel like a whole different person because my confidence comes from within nothing external can trigger me as much as it used to
VS: What do you think you is missing in the African rap space and what kind of created communities would you like to see?
DW: I feel like the African rap space needs more acceptance of diverse sounds of the genre because music is evolving everyday & most people are just used to one type of hip hop & classify anything that doesn’t correlate completely as absurd
VS: Which artists would you like to collaborate with in the future?
DW: working with Kanye would be sick and Tems she’s amazing!
VS: Take us through your create process.
DW: I normally just rhyme to catch a vibe then pen down whatever Idea that comes to mind to build on it, my favorite part of this whole music this is the creative process
VS: Are there any projects you are currently working on?
DW: I’m working on a lot actually trying to push myself musically as much as possible definitely going to expect new sounds from me
VS: Thanks for taking the time to chat with me. You’re an incredible and versatile artist with big international opportunities in your near future.