As we wrap up the latest season of Bubblegum Connects, I’ve taken it upon myself to spotlight one of this season’s standout episodes. We switched things up for this one, featuring Darkie Fiction, the influential Jozi-based musical duo. We gave them our set of questions and let them grill each other. What went down was a real and chill vibe that everyone got in on. The pair organically shared their insights about their creative journey, music and the profound bond that defines them as a band and family unit.
Born from the merger of the solo careers of vocalist Yoza Mnyanda and rapper Katt Daddy, Darkie Fiction emerged in 2016, in Johannesburg and since 2017, Darkie Fiction has been on a mission to contribute to the music scene they hold dear, earning them regular spots on South African festival lineups.
Darkie Fiction first made their mark with the hit ‘Selula,’ produced by Jakinda from Stiff Pap, and their debut EP Sobabini: A Mzantsi Evolution (2018), which featured collaborations with producers like Fosta, Original Swimming Party, DJ Mdubulo, Thor Rixon, Albany Lore and Maloon the Boom. Building on their success, their follow-up EP Endaweni (2020), was a collaborative effort with Waxy Hustle. The range of tracks accompanied by a behind-the-scenes mini-doccie, resonated with a youth audience seeking comfort during tough times. Endaweni was something of a heartfelt ode to South Africa.
When Katt Daddy was prompted to ask: “In 2018, Darkie Fiction received recognition from Apple Music South Africa. How did this recognition impact your careers and open up new opportunities for you as musicians?”, Yoza responded: “It was an affirmation that we were on the right path. We had decided to move from Cape Town to Johannesburg, and there were doubts from some people around us. This recognition validated our decision. It also made others take notice and think, ‘Maybe we should give these guys a chance.’ It definitely got us more shows and generated buzz, adding momentum to what we were already building.”
Katt Daddy added: “I agree. The recognition from Apple Music and other platforms helped create a narrative around us. It opened up conversations with people who may not have considered us before. It was a reality check that forced us to confront our own expectations and misconceptions about success. Looking back, it affirmed our journey and removed doubts, at least for a few months while the story was still fresh. It came at a crucial time and played a significant role in our career.
Unsurprisingly, Yoza and Katt Daddy evoke curiosity about their intertwined musical and romantic relationship. Alongside their musical endeavours, they raise two daughters, finding the foundation of their artistic expression in family values. Yoza notes: “Like, our home studio is at home, and that’s where we do a lot of our demos,” so their studio is a fluid hub for both aspects of life, with their lively toddler, Bayethe actively engaging in their creative process.
Central to Darkie Fiction’s music is collaboration. Through Katt Daddy’s verses and Yoza Mnyanda’s soulful vocals, they meld their distinct styles by leveraging their strengths. Katt adds: “I think what really makes us different is the fact that we’ve got this dynamic between us that creates this thing, um, which is like fiction … The fact that you bring your vibes … I bring my vibes and it comes together and it creates.” Their unique fusion enables them to craft a layered sound that embodies their shared vision.
Darkie Fiction’s sound fuses kwaito, afro-funk, neo-soul, hip-hop, house and jazz, embodying their South African roots and drawing from their upbringing to celebrate local culture and pay homage to iconic figures. Through genuine cultural portrayal and community resonance with a contemporary twist, Darkie Fiction’s blend of individual styles weaves together diverse musical influences, born from personal struggles, that create a weighty yet relatable sound and form a cohesive, resonant sound.
Darkie Fiction’s triumphant return to the scene is marked by the two-track EP Wam (2023), which translates to “mine” in English. Following their famed hits like Bhoza (2018) and Abazali Bam (2020) Wam’ introduces listeners to tracks like Ungowam and Sunday to Sunday. With this offering, the duo delves into themes of intimacy and personal connections, reflecting their distinct sonic landscape and the unmistakable Darkie Fiction sound.
Umgowam is an upbeat and nostalgic song while Sunday To Sunday tells a heartfelt romantic tale that captures the essence of enduring love. With tender lyrics and a melodic composition, this track serves as a promise to cherish each other from “Sunday to Sunday.” This release re-inforces Darkie Fiction’s distinct presence in the South African music scene, setting itself apart with its familial creative approach and singularly layered sound. The duo’s effortless musical synergy blends rap and soulful vocals, producing songs that convey positivity, self-affirmation and love.
Their session at the BubblegumClub Studio was a testament to this ethos. The chemistry on set was electric. You could tell that these were two people who loved and respected each other both personally and professionally. They held space for one another, yet challenged each other with an ease that would take many years to craft. And when they looked at each other, it was as if there was no one else in the room. In addition to their enviable musical trajectory, Darkie Fiction is couple-goals and deserves perpetual celebration.
Stream Wam Here:
