Online Reporter
Langalakhe Mabena, [email protected]
Award-winning music producer Young DLC, born Darlington Lazarus Chikwewo, has released Ngoma dzeNhau, an innovative Afro House/3-Step production inspired by the iconic ZBC News drumline originally recorded by legendary drummer Douglas Vambe.
The track transforms one of Zimbabwe’s most recognisable broadcast sounds into a contemporary dancefloor anthem, while paying tribute to a piece of audio heritage that has resonated with generations of Zimbabweans.
For Young DLC, however, the project became much more than a musical experiment. What started as a creative endeavour soon evolved into a months-long journey of research, uncovering the cultural roots and copyright complexities surrounding the famous drumline.
“A few months ago, I sampled the legendary ZBC drums and transformed them into a house track. At first, it seemed like a straightforward creative process. But once the track was finished, one question stopped me in my tracks: Who actually owns the rights to this iconic sound?
“Determined to find the answer, I began researching. My first stop was the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC), where I sought clarity on the origins and ownership of the famous drums. I’m especially grateful to Madam Cheni, who took the time to assist with my enquiry,” said Young DLC.
His quest for answers later took him to the African Regional Intellectual Property Organisation (ARIPO), where he sought guidance on copyright matters before being referred to other institutions, including the Deeds Registry, to better understand the legal status of the recording.
Along the way, he discovered that the celebrated drumline had roots that stretched far beyond television broadcasting.
“The ZBC drums were never simply a television theme or broadcast jingle. The rhythm itself originates from Zimbabwe’s traditional Bende, also known as Jerusalema, drumming culture, a musical tradition that existed long before it became associated with national broadcasting.
“Realising this changed my perspective completely. I was no longer working with just a sample; I was engaging with a piece of Zimbabwean history and cultural identity. For generations, the sound has signalled the start of the evening news and become part of the country’s collective memory,” he said.
The producer said the research process also introduced him to some of the musicians behind the historic recording, including Douglas Vambe and the ensemble whose performance helped make the drumline instantly recognisable to millions of Zimbabweans.
“Regardless of where the legal position ultimately stands, one thing became clear: the people and the cultural traditions behind the recording deserve recognition. Respecting those contributions is not only about copyright, but also about acknowledging the creators and preserving Zimbabwe’s cultural heritage.
“After months of research, countless phone calls and visits to different institutions across Harare, the journey finally came to an end, leading to the release of Ngoma dzeNhau,” he said.
The release highlights Young DLC’s ability to blend contemporary sounds with cultural storytelling, a trait that has earned him recognition both locally and internationally.
Widely regarded as one of Zimbabwe’s most accomplished producers, he has built an impressive portfolio spanning film, television and music productions.
Among his notable achievements is contributing to Disney’s animated anthology Kizazi Moto: Generation Fire, where he produced a soundtrack featuring Zimbabwean vocalist Poptain.
He also worked on the Netflix drama series The Polygamist, co-creating the song Feel It alongside Zimbabwean artist Bryan K.
In addition, Young DLC co-produced the opening theme for the acclaimed BET Africa drama series Isono, further cementing his reputation as one of Zimbabwe’s leading producers on the international stage.
