Mwafrika.com:It’s been a long timecoming, but we’re glad we’ve finally connected to chat. Before we even go too far, tell us - many times you’ve been referred to as the “King of Collabos” – you’ve been on numerous singles with many of the top names in our industry. How did you get to be on so many collabos and how do you feel about the tag?
Dunco: Well let me just say I’ve been in he industry for almost 8 years now, and it was until recently that one of Gospel’s finest (Daddy Owen) saw me in the church choir singing and playing instruments and saw potential in me. He trusted me to do vocals on his second album Son of Man, and the rest is history. Immediately after everyone wanted to work with me, and I just thank God for that. 

 
M: So who have you collaborated with?
D: Wow, it’s a lot. I was on almost half of Daddy Owen’s albums. There’s Rufftone (There’s None), Juliani (Damu Ya Yesu), Willy (Hafungi Macho) and Ng’ash (Kaza Mwendo). Also artists like Silk, Nyuki Ndogo and many others.

 

M: So in August Dunco finally released his debut album? What was it like moving from either being behind the spotlight (on collabos) or sharing the stage, (as with Chiefs), to holding it down for yourself?
D: I must say the launch was one of the most special days of my life - planning for the album was tricky, and I must confess at one time I almost threw in the towel because the challenges were huge. But being on stage at Mavuno Church and looking at the masses made my eyes tear because I felt I had achieved what I had always dreamed of, and I’m happy and still in awe that the album was launched....

 

M: Why do a solo album anyway? After all, you are already on the Chiefs solo album (Chief’s Camp) as well as the Wernono Family album?
D: Like I said, I’ve always dreamt of launching an album, and not a collabo one but my personal one. Plus people were encouraging me to do this since way back. So when I felt the time was right, I started investing in studio time and tracks and well, He's Ebenezer, He’s brought me this far…

 

M: Ebenezer, I like that. Cool. And speaking of the Chiefs and Wernono, tell us how all this plays out. I'm assuming you're still a part of both of those groups?
D: For life man. I am very much a part of those groups. You know it’s not only about the music, but about ministry and friendship. The thing is that I also do solo projects here and there, but when it comes to promoting the albums there's a sequence I follow in order not to get mixed up.

 

M: I’m glad you brought that up, cause that’s an awful lot of music to be a part of. How do you manage the balance right now, or is pushing your solo album your number one priority?
D: Of course my first priority is pushing my album, but I also have a share in promoting the other albums. However when it comes to writing music, it has proven very challenging.

 

D: The album is called Atalaku, and mainly talks of my journey through the transition period from my past life to salvation. You get the feel of it seriously on tracks like 'Kubackslide' and 'Nafsi' featuring Ba' Mdogo. The rest of the tracks are worship oriented since I am a worshiper. But my main aim for this album was to encourage my fans, especially those who might be going through some of the challenges I went through in the early days of my salvation. They need to know that they are not alone and that they will make it through.

 

M: What are some of the songs on it that are special to your heart? And why?

D: 'Kubackslide' has to be one of my favorite songs. I have a very soft spot for it because that song really is my testimony. You listen to it and you get to hear my story. But there’s also Trinity – when I was recording that song I was so overcome by God’s presence – many times I would stop recording just to pray. Steve Mutuku and X-Clan can testify to that, they had a hard time with it. Jehovah is another, it’s special because it was and still is my very first solo project ever. But there’s also songs like Shock Absorber, and Hafungi Macho, which were both singles.

 

D: Thank you, I really just thank God for that one. As for the album, I've gotten many good reports from many people, which is good. Songs like Kubackslide are highly appreciated and others like Shock Arbsorber have become real bangers, so I’m very honored. But to be honest I’ve also received some good rebuke, which is really important because it makes me a better musician and person.

 

D: Gospel musicians have realized a lot of their preaching is character based - they preach with actions and not words, and like I keep saying, CONTENT has found its way back to Gospel music. Artists are doing their thing with a real passion for the true Biblical message, unlike days of the aerobics for 'mikono juu, kila mtu weka mguu hivi...'. Plus the era of doing shady masters and videos has long left us. Now artists  are investing in quality videos and quality recordings, and when you add good meaningful content…voila! you get growth. And you know what I think, we are about to shock the world even more.

 

D: I don’t mean to be biased but honestly Daddy Owen is really working hard and he's going to really blow up, just ait and see. Eko Dydda and Holy Dave are two others, especially if they stay as a unit. Then I can’t forget my boy Shem. That boy is going to be huge, y’all need to watch out for him, seriously. Especially when he does his solo album.

 

D: There’s still a lot to look out for. I'm really looking forward to doing a worship album in future, most likely next year, plus I’m compiling my very own video album for mid 2010. I've also finished the shoot for 'Kubackslide', wait for it soon. And oh yes, I’m planning to get married after finishing campus. I’m engaged!

 

D: Any time, and thanks for the support.