Today we’d like to introduce you to DPretty.
It’s an honor to speak with you today. Why don’t you give us some details about you and your story. How did you get to where you are today?
I’m DPRETTY, an Afropop recording artist with an international appeal. Proud to be a husband and father of two, with a colorful culture background, passion for music and social activism. In 2017 I released a single entitled STAY ON with a music video support, which can be found on Youtube. The song pays tribute to hard working husbands and fathers who fight days & nights to “Stay On’ for their families and their respective communities. I thank those fathers who are the heart of communities across the world. I have a dedication to helping people, it is reflected in my non-profit organization, CGA (Congolese Genocide Awareness), which promotes awareness by engaging and mobilizing supporters who can advocate internationally as well as within Africa in the DR Congo. I migrated to the United States more than 20 years ago and I have developed an ear for innovative sounds that integrate my African background along with American Pop music. I have previously shared the same stage with GIMS (Maitre Gims) at the Variety Playhouse in Atlanta, Georgia in 2019, with the Nigerian legend 2Baba 2Face in Orlando, and I have worked with DJ Amarula, Mikey Musique, and producers such as Shady Bizniz, Bahood Records, and a live performance for the Dikembe Mutombo Foundation (DMF), at People’s Forum during Congo Kitoko in New York City, at the French Alliance Center in Atlanta, Georgia, in Eastern Congo, Africa, at the 2018 African Muzik Magazine Awards & Music Festival (Afrimma) and many more.
I’m sure your success has not come easily. What challenges have you had to overcome along the way?
Challenges come with life. As long as you are living, you will always find challenges, so I learned from my parents. I recall instances in the past when I couldn’t get the right producer, the right manager or a label ready to work with me. I was trying to come up with a new sound, the one that reflected my personality and background. All of my friends were used to listening to classic R&B and Hip Hop, though I did too, however my music didn’t sound authentic, it made me feel left out musically. I had to change something, my optic, I accepted my differences, I turned them into a one big asset. I combined all the languages I spoke and all the sounds I knew into a one sound, it added substance to what I was working on and it improved my understanding of fusion thus my music became richer, I attracted more audience and various fans from different backgrounds into one now. I reached a serious untapped music audience out there that I didn’t even know that existed. I believe that I wouldn’t be where I am today had I not endured the challenges that came from being different. Our differences do shape us, there is no doubt about it, my life challenges helped me make beautiful and inspiring music, Afropop.
Let’s talk about the work you do. What do you specialize in and why should someone work with you over the competition?
I’m an Afropop recording artist with an international appeal. I sing, write and perform live on stage. Afropop is the most contemporary genre of African popular music, an African sound with American pop music. The term does not refer to a specific style or sound, however, the idea is to bring Africa and the West together in order to create a fusion so appealing that people can dance to it. Afropop is growing very fast around the world, It is also used as a general term for African popular music. I honestly believe that I have tapped into a new musical market in America and looks like that is possibly the future. This music has been getting into the U.S. airwaves for the past few years, and in fact, you may have heard Beyonce, Chris Brown with Davido, The Gift, and of course P-Square ft Rick Ross about few years back, and more. By the way, I also have a female American singer, J Pink featured on my next single, BOOM KEKE set for release this March 2021. It will be thumping out of people’s car speakers, so, this spring, summer and fall, BOOM KEKE will be bringing the uplifting vibe that we need in 2021 to drive away Covid-19. Afropop is here in the USA, but some know it as Afrobeats though America has plenty of beautiful music and great artists, DPretty is here to crack the seal, remember I’m bringing back CHIC & LOVE.
What’s your best piece of advice for readers who desire to find success in their life?
Please, do not wait for the right time, preparation is your right time. There will always be challenges, obstacles, and difficult conditions. Prepare yourself for the worst scenario, you will be glad you did. Take it step by step you will grow stronger and more skilled, and then self-confidence will be your second nature. That’s the reason I said earlier that I’m bringing CHIC and LOVE back with my single BOOM KEKE, because they both require a sense of self-confidence. In whatever you do make sure there is a level of “preparation” for your confidence, so you can find success in life.
Speaking of success, what does the word mean to you?
Success means a lot to me, it is the ability to move from one point to another with a sense of satisfaction afterward, however, it is the everyday effort taken that makes the success possible. Once the success is there, you have to remember that it is not final, you have to move again otherwise today’s success will become tomorrow’s failure. Don’t do it once, it’s not enough. For instance, my 2017′ music video “STAY ON” pays tribute to hard working husbands and fathers who fight to stay on for their families and communities. But, in March, my new video, BOOM KEKE will deal with a different theme, “the chemistry of two hearts” and it is featuring a JPINK, a female singer to try something very different.
What’s next for you?
I’m ready for the post-Covid-19 world. After the release of my most anticipated single, BOOM KEKE, I want to be on different stages this summer 2021, hoping that things will go back to normal. I want my music to heal the world from the negative pandemic vibration.
Finally, how can people connect with you if they want to learn more.
I can be contacted via all my social media including my business telephone number: www.DPretty.com Twitter @DPretty2g / Instagram @DPretty.2g YouTube Channel: DPRETTY Email: DPretty2g@gmail.com, Tabilulu Productions tel. 201 963 6610
