Daniel Odum’s life has dabbled between three African countries that hold heavy culture, this has shaped his music career accordingly, allowing him to draw inspiration from all corners, an influence felt in all his sonics. We had a conversation with Dan Drizzy about his latest EP, his life as a kid moving around, and his recording process.
Your family has deep ties with Ghanaian music, can you tell us about it? And how has it shaped your music career’s trajectory?
Dan Drizzy: What most people don’t know is that I was born in Hohoe, Volta region and I spent most of my childhood life between Port Harcourt and Cape Town. My father obviously was a music enthusiast so I’ve been exposed to a lot of sounds as a child. Listening to Agboti Yawo, King Ayisoba, Daddy Lumba, and Duncan Mighty.
You’ve spent a lot of your life in Ghana, Nigeria, and South Africa, how has this shaped your sound?
Dan Drizzy: Obviously the music made in these countries has a lot of similarities but you can tell the difference with respect to language and melodies. I don’t speak any indigenous language fluently but I can create a similar sound because of my exposure to the environment and culture. At the end of the day, I can say I create an amazing blend of pan-African bangers lol.
I first tapped into your sound through Spacely, then followed closely with your EP in 2021, he featured on it and your latest project too. What’s your relationship like with him?
Dan Drizzy: Elorm is my brother from way back. When I was still studying at All Nation’s University I did a bunch of events for the student representative council which helped me meet the likes of Yaa Pono, Skales, Opanka, Keche, D Black, Macho Rapper, Dcryme, Gallaxy, Choirmaster, etc but the relationship that stood out was my relationship with Ponobiom and the uptown energy camp. I usually spend time with the entire uptown Energy camp at Panji place (the founder of pigeon music also known as ova jah) whenever I’m in Accra. Yaa Pono was quick to introduce me to $pacely since he knew Elorm and I were in the same demographic music audience and he felt we were on some similar music vibrations. So when I made money speaking with Yaa Pono, $pacely already knew about my ambitions to be back making music after leaving music to complete my bachelor’s degree. I will say music aside, that’s my friend right there!!
Speaking of your latest project, UglyXtough is the only producer with multiple credits, can you tell us about him and why his sonic presence was essential to the making of your project?
Dan Drizzy: I moved back to Accra from Koforidua in early 2019 after finishing my 4+ years degree and I met Ugly when he started producing. I knew a lot of musicians already so I was working with Ronny Turn Up, Bones Beat, and Wisa Greid so there was respect and he knew I was talented before he got the hit song with J.Derobie. It’s been over 4 years and I would say he knows how to get the best out of me and also since it’s a duo of producers now adding Tough to the mix…it made the project extraordinary and I was able to create my dream sounds.
What was the recording process like overall?
Dan Drizzy: I record melodies and then I write, so I don’t write before coming to the studio. I create on the spot and if I’m not creating then I don’t concur to the progression of the chord or percussion.
Which of the songs did you take to heart while recording?
Dan Drizzy: I would say Penisillin. Penisillin is a creative sound inspired by the antibiotic cream penicillin used to prevent and treat minor skin infections caused by small cuts, scrapes, or burns. I emphasized on my sexual appeal on a slow afro swing instrumentation produced by UglyxTough and passed his message using the perfect figure of speech. Changing the “C” in penicillin to “S” making it sound like a male reproductive organ (“Penis’ ‘illin) which therefore connects the cream to ejaculation & skin to sex without using a contraceptive. I shared his thoughts using a medical term in order to pass my message with a soothing rhythm.
I was at the gold block party and watched you perform. What’s next for Dan Drizzy?
Dan Drizzy: Obviously the project is out and we’re promoting it at the moment. I can’t share anything right now because my team likes it when I surprise my fans but expect some videos and maybe a couple of tours hahahaha I hope I didn’t say too much.
