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Bright Ukpabi (born June 26 1989), known professionally as Mr. Dutch, 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, Mr. Dutch teamed up with British-Nigerian 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.

Career
Bright Ukpabi, commonly known by his stage name, Mr. Dutch, is a Nigerian, singer and songwriter. He has long had a passion for music, but in his early years never had the opportunity to pursue it. Today Mr. Dutch is the CEO of Dutch Empire and subsequently launched a record label, Dutch Dreams Records, that has seen several Nigerian artists thrive throughout their careers.

In addition to his success behind the scenes, Mr. Dutch is a talented and accredited musician in his own right. Better known for his character, Afro Cyborg, the alter ego features in several music videos and upcoming projects. The Afro Cyborg represents the voice inside your head that offers encouragement and support; you can do and be anything you want to be. Afro Cyborg is the sound of freedom, greatness and liberation. For his song, Mamacita, Mr. Dutch teamed up with Nigerian director, Aje to bring this character to life.

Mr. Dutch’s catchy melodies and rhythmic sounds have solidified a diverse music catalogue, bridging the gap between Africa and the world. Since bursting onto the scene in 2017, he has amassed a faithful following and produced a string of hits, including powerful collaborations such as E No Finish featuring Grammy-nominated Burna Boy, Fire Down with pop-heavyweight Reekado, and Just Like That featuring East Africa’s finest Lava Lava. His motivation stems from his sheer tenacity in excusing who he is and where he comes from. He represents not only Nigeria but Africa as a whole.

Nigerian music has been on the rise for the past couple of years, with artists like Davido, Wizkid, Tiwa Savage, Burna Boy, Olamide and so on, gaining global recognition for their work. As Afro-Pop continues to dominate music styles worldwide, Mr. Dutch believes his music will educate listeners on a culture deep-rooted in West Africa’s sound and its beats with the ebb and flow of everyday life. Mr. Dutch’s Afro-Pop sound retains a distinctly Nigerian identity, reflective of his upbringing, whilst fusing it with inspirations from his stay in South Africa. His music evokes a colourful Afrofusion feeling, drawing inspiration from fuji music, highlife, American funk and jazz to serenade fans worldwide.

Discography
2022: Azul

On 01 September, Mr, Dutch marked his return with the follow-up single Azul, produced by Biggie Jazzy. The catchy track will no doubt get you in the dancing mood.

2022: World Citizens

On 24 June, Mr. Dutch released the EP World Citizens in collaboration with the British-Nigerian rapper, single and songwriter Olukayode Odesanya, also known as Kida Kudz. The Rap-meets-Afrofusion artist first made his mark with the 2017 single Issa Vibe and continued his streak of fan favourite releases with Top Memba. The 4-track mixtape is a smooth fusion of carefree alternative hip hop mixed with Afrobeats aesthetics. Showcasing auto-tuned dripped chorus’, risqué raps and soulful Yoruba-tinged hooks, the tracks are ripe with aspirational lyrics and positive energy. Written between London and Lagos, World Citizens offers summer sounds with a perfect blend of British-Nigerian Afrobeats.

2021: Chop Life x2

On 03 December, Mr. Dutch released the single Chop Life x2 in collaboration with fellow Nigerian entrepreneur-turned-musician Cubana Chief Priest. The track’s rhythmic melodies echo the artists’ assertive lifestyles. Accompanied by larger-than-life visuals, Chop Life x2 serves a dramatic scope of the song’s title using a plot typical of gangster action movies.

2020: Keys to my Heart (Afrique Remix)

On 11 December, Mr. Dutch released the EP Keys to my Heart (Afrique Remix), featuring remixes of his hit song collaborating with African artists Teni, KiDi, KLY & Lava Lava. Produced by multi-award-winning, Masterkraft, who has worked with the likes of Wizkid, Davido and Tekno, this EP serenades listeners with five romantic takes on Mr. Dutch’s lovesong, Keys to My Heart. With traces of Black Eyed Peas’, Where is the Love, Mr. Dutch pulls on our hearts with a poetic declaration to the love of his life. Mr. Dutch has collaborated on the mid-tempo track, partnering with Africa’s most exciting artists to deliver a Continental love story filled with heart and soul, featuring Nigeria’s Teni, Ghana’s KiDi, South Africa’s KLY and Tanzania’s Lava Lava. Staying true to his pan-African style, he serves a sensual assortment of sounds from across the Motherland.

2020: Mamacita

On 29 May, Mr. Dutch released the single Mamacita in collaboration with Masterkraft. Produced by serial hit maker and fellow Nigerian artist, Masterkraft, the track is praised for its addictive Afrobeat and Amapiano house fusion with an upbeat feel that will get you moving and add some spice to your life. Mamacita was inspired by a late night in the studio, gazing in awe at an African woman on a piece of artwork. It is a fantasy of a strong African woman with lyrics detailing Mamacita’s role in the Afro Cyborg’s life.

2019: Just Like That

On 23 August, Mr. Dutch released the single Just Like That featuring Bongo artist Lava Lava. Mr. Dutch collaborated with the youngest musician under the WCB label for the infectious uptempo jam produced by Egar Boi.

2018: E No Finish

On 16 October, Mr. Dutch released the single E No Finish in collaboration with Grammy-nominated artist and Nigerian singer, songwriter, and record producer, Burna Boy. The ragga-inspired vocal style became distinctive when experimenting with different sounds in London and South Africa. Renowned for hits African Giant (2019) and Love, Damini (2022), his music is commonly described as a mix of reggae, dancehall, R&B and hip hop; Burna boy belongs to the broadly defined music genre Afrobeats. Collaborating on the Afrobeat track E No Finish, Mr. Dutch’s lyrical dexterity and delivery enhance the song’s melodic flow with an ear-itching rhythm.

2018: Fire Down

On August 10, Mr. Dutch released the single Fire Down in collaboration with Reekado Banks. Setting Nigeria’s music scene alight, the mid-tempo track features Nigerian pop-heavyweight Reekado Banks. The single is packed with captivating lyrics and is yet another masterpiece released by Mr. Dutch.

2018: Antidote

On 27 April, Mr. Dutch released the single Antidote produced by Kel-P, in collaboration with Solidstar. Mr. Dutch teams up with fellow Nigerian artist, Solidstar for an uptempo Afrobeats tune that serves a smooth fusion of sounds. The feel-good track offers the antidote to all your worries and has amassed over 1.4 million views on YouTube.

2017: Carry Go

On 15 November, Mr. Dutch released the single Carry Go in collaboration with Yung O.G. Making his musical debut, Mr. Dutch’s vocals perfectly complement the slow, uptempo beat. Produced by KDDO, the single is smooth yet soulful.