Online Reporter
Langalakhe Mabena
AWARD-WINNING music producer Young DLC, born Darlington Lazarus Chikwewo, has unveiled Ngoma dzeNhau, an inventive Afro House/3-Step production.
It was inspired by the iconic ZBC News drumline originally recorded by legendary drummer Douglas Vambe.
More than just another club anthem, the track pays homage to a sound that has become deeply embedded in Zimbabwe’s cultural identity, transforming a familiar national broadcast theme into a contemporary dancefloor experience.
Young DLC said what began as a simple production experiment soon evolved into an eye-opening journey through Zimbabwe’s cultural heritage and copyright landscape.
“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 am especially grateful to Madam Cheni, who took the time to assist with my enquiry,” said Young DLC.
His search later took him to the African Regional Intellectual Property Organisation (ARIPO), where he received guidance on copyright issues before being referred to other institutions, including the Deeds Registry, to better understand the legal standing of the recording.
During the process, he made a discovery that reshaped his understanding of the famous composition.
“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.
Young DLC said his research also introduced him to some of the musicians behind the historic recording, including Douglas Vambe and the ensemble whose performance made 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.
Widely regarded as one of Zimbabwe’s most accomplished music producers, Young DLC has built an impressive international portfolio, with his work featured in acclaimed film and television productions.
Among his notable credits is Disney’s animated anthology Kizazi Moto: Generation Fire, for which he produced a soundtrack featuring Zimbabwean vocalist Poptain.
He also contributed to the Netflix drama series The Polygamist, co-creating the song Feel It alongside Zimbabwean artist Bryan K.
In addition, he 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 global stage.
