Pulse: What does the name Dufla Diligon stands for?
Dufla Diligon: Dufla stands for something that is bold, unique and has lots of impact. As a child, my mother often referred to me as Dubla, which is ‘calabash’ in my Turkana mother tongue; I always carried a calabash with me wherever I went as part of my identity. Diligon is a statement of completion: the ‘deal is gone’ when you give me the mic.
P: How were your early years before you got into music?
DD: I spent the better part of my childhood looking after other people’s cows in Baragoi from the age of five until I turned twelve years old, before I finally joined Nachola and Gageto primary schools in Baragoi and Laikipia respectively.
P: Why did it take you so long to join school?
DD: My parents were not well-to-do financially and also never valued education. To them education was akin to watering someone else’s field. I came from a humble family; I only saw my first television when I joined high school. Due to water shortage, even bathing was a luxury. Despite this, I joined school where I performed well all the way to Marmanet High School with my parents supporting me after realising my potential.
P: How did you get into music?
DD: As from the age of five I would compose songs for our only bull, Losogol, given to me by my father. I would sing about its shape, colour and the horns. I composed up to 16 songs for my bull, which I would perform during various family and marriage ceremonies within my community. During village competitions I emerged the best, getting various rewards ranging from red necklaces that were a symbol of love and appreciation, to goats. Funny enough the bull accompanied me during the occasions, mooing as I sang.
P: When did you start recording?
DD: In high school I met Willy Tuva through Facebook and we became friends. One thing led to another and during one of his roadshows in Maralal in 2012, he gave me a chance to do a freestyle, which the crowd loved. Since I was still in school he advised me to concentrate on my studies but gave me his contacts to get in touch with him once I finished school. Upon completing my education at the end of 2013, I travelled to Nairobi with his help and he introduced me to Grandpa Records. They had an agreement so without wasting time I got down to the business of doing my first single, Yes You Do. It was produced by Visita and the reception was overwhelming... it still pays my bills to date. My second song Tempo, produced last week, is also doing well.
P: What was your first reaction when you got to Grandpa?
DD: Although at first I felt nervous coming face to face with the likes of Wyre, DNA, Kenrazy and Visita, all of whom I only saw on television, their warm and friendly reception made me relax. I recall Kenrazy asking me to freestyle for him upon my arrival and to my surprise he loved it.
P: How was it like featuring in Fimbo ya Tatu (Dawa ya Moto ni Moto)?
DD: For me this was good sign. We were 10 musicians in total: myself, Kenrazy, Visita, Wyre, Wavinya, Sosuun, Chief Moses, Lil’ Sliq, UB and Sauti Sol. I sing after Wyre.
P: Describe your style of music?
DD: Mine is simply the Kenyan dancehall style, which is unique and different.
P: Do you get shows?
DD: Yes, there are very many, mostly in Nairobi and Maralal in Samburu County. I believe it’s just a matter of time before I go international.
P: How do you handle female fans?
DD: I try to be nice to them within limits. But at the end of the day they are my fans who made me what I am.
P: Are you in a relationship?
DD: Nope. I am single and still searching.
P: What are your future plans as far as music goes?
DD: To finish my debut album. I also intend to revolutionise Kenyan dancehall music by making sure that I put Kenya on the map.
