Get to know: Culoe De Song

Born in the northern parts of South Africa’s east coast, Culolethu Zulu, also known as Culoe De Song, earned his big break after joining Black Coffee’s imprint Soulistic. Since then, De Song’s career has gained full momentum with a Blue Marlin Ibiza residency and a slew of releases on Innervisions, Offering Recordings and his own imprint, De Song Music over the last few years. 

A fresh face from South Africa’s electronic community, De Song’s spirited fusion of tribal tech and percussion-led productions have brought him to the forefront of the global dance music scene, winning over a strong following of stretching from Eshowe to Ibiza to London to Bangkok. 

Ahead of his Egg LDN debut on 30th June, we caught up with De Song to delve further into his sonic roots which have paved the way to where he’s at today… 

Let’s go back to the beginning of your career which is currently flourishing at the moment. How did you get into music on the northern parts of South Africa’s east coast? Was there a thriving electronic scene there? 

I come from rural Eshowe and I used access compilation cassettes mixed by the country’s finest DJs at the time. They compiled mostly international tunes and that’s how I got in touch with the global vibe like most local kids. 

There’s a special house music following in the province of Kwa Zulu - Natal which also houses Durban, the city with one of the most vibrant party scenes. I started participating in electronic music when I moved there and had access to clubs by carrying DJ Kabila’s bags. 

How did you cross paths with Black Coffee? 

I met Coffee around ‘06 through Kabila, they are childhood friends. He liked the music I was doing and used to give him samples. Coincidentally he was working on his second studio album and we collaborated on a track. 

This move launched me well as a producer in the scene as there became a demand for my sound. 

You’ve just started your Blue Marlin Ibiza residency which is a huge milestone for any aspiring DJ. What was your first impression of the island?

 It can be pretty overwhelming considering the beauty of the White Isle but it can also be quite an intense place with the relentless partying environment… 

My first impression was an island of reckless partying, powder paradise and models. But when I played DC-10 some years back, I realised the island houses the scene well and it’s great for business. 

Music is a business in serving people and the island teaches you that. I love this about the island because it further enhances my vision as a DJ and a brand. It’s a plateau of opportunity, musical expression and most importantly FUN! I’m happy to join the Blue Marlin family! 

You also head up your own imprint De Song Music. What’s the sonic vision of the label and how do you go about signing artists? Or perhaps they approach you first? 

De Song Music is a home to put artists of all kinds on the radar and further express themselves in different territories, just like how the opportunity was given for me at some point. 

Coming from a country of diversity when it comes to musical colours, De Song Music is limitless in the sound of the future, I wouldn’t say Afro this Afro that, just music and good vibes. We are just getting started. We are being approached and we are also doing some approaching. A step at a time. 

What’s next on the horizon for you throughout 2018?

I’m doing a lot of touring and I’m working on new music due for release between now and 2020.  

Leave us with five tracks that define your South African roots and why? 

1. TKZee - Shibobo  

2. Mgarimbe - Sista Bhethina 

3. Zola - Umdlwembe 

4. Mdu Masilela - MaZola 

5. Thebe - Bula Boot  

These tracks penetrated the heart of South Africa and I’m pretty sure the majority of the masses will agree with me in crowning the above tunes as CLASSICS. Collectively. Play these anywhere today, it’s a party and beyond. 

Catch Culoe De Song headlining our Middle Floor on Saturday, 30th June alongside Gabriel Ananda, Artbat, D-Unity, Chapter 24 and more... Click here for tickets