Nigerian Afrobeat star Mr. Dutch unveils his powerful new single, “Dodorima,” featuring the Grammy-winning Soweto Gospel Choir and rising star Nigerian vocal powerhouse Raybekah. Dodorima marks the first release from Mr. Dutch’s highly anticipated debut album, They Thought I Was Done, blending profound cultural significance with deeply personal storytelling.
Dodorima carries a dual meaning drawn from Nigeria’s rich linguistic heritage. In Edo, the word symbolizes gratitude, while in Igbo, it represents honesty, intelligence, and hard work. his layered meaning underpins the song’s themes of struggle, triumph, and heartfelt gratitude.
Joining forces with South Africa’s Soweto Gospel Choir, known for their transcendent harmonies, and Raybekah, a gifted Nigerian vocalist, Mr. Dutch crafts an anthem that resonates with both emotion and power. The song encapsulates his journey through adversity, including moments of life-threatening danger, as well as his gratitude for surviving against the odds.
Reflecting on the song, Mr. Dutch shares, “‘Dodorima’ is my story of perseverance and faith. It’s about those moments when I had to hold on to my love for music, even when others doubted me. From life-altering experiences to countless challenges, this song is my way of saying ‘thank you’—to God, to my craft, and to my supporters.”
With its soulful blend of Afrobeat and gospel, Dodorima is poised to dominate playlists and inspire listeners worldwide. As the first single off They Thought I Was Done, it sets the stage for an album that promises to be as transformative as it is personal.
“Working on the song is a symbol of unity for Africansn – joining Nigeria and South Africa. The song also represents gratitude and we are grateful for the journey we have embarked on,” Soweto Gospel Choir said.
Mr. Dutch, real name Bright Ukpabi is a Nigerian singer-songwriter renowned for his alter ego, Afro Cyborg. Bursting onto the scene with hits such as ‘Antidote’, ‘Keys To My Heart’ and ‘E No Finish’ featuring Burna Boy, Mr. Dutch brought the Afro Cyborg to life through the visuals for his song titled, ‘Mamacita’. In 2022, he teamed up with artist Kida Kudz for the joint project ‘World Citizens’. The EP showcased flourishing talent bridging between London and Lagos’ parallel Afrofusion scenes, a compilation of talent and sound. In 2023, collaborating with Aymos, the African Prince of Amapiano, on the track Ungowami solidified their presence in the South African Amapiano market. His latest collection of work will certainly cement his status as an artist to watch.
