Young DLC, born Darlington Lazarus Chikwewo, is a Zimbabwean-born dance music producer, songwriter, and DJ who has made a notable impact in the South African music scene. Signed to Sony ATV South Africa, he is known for his versatility, producing across genres including electronic dance music (EDM), trap, and Afrobeats. His passion for music started at a young age, influenced by his father, a gospel music producer, from whom he learned studio techniques early on. Young DLC began producing music at nine years old, initially focusing on production before gradually adding his own vocals. Although initially hesitant about singing, he found success combining production and vocals, which helped him stand out and collaborate with major platforms like Coke Studio Africa. His breakthrough came in 2016 when he was a guest producer on Coke Studio South Africa, creating the track “Run Away” for hip hop artist Aewon Wolf and pop artist Jade McDonald. The song enjoyed heavy rotation on South African commercial radio stations, boosting his profile. In 2017, Young DLC was invited as an in-house producer for the entire Coke Studio Africa season held in Nairobi, Kenya. Over three months, he produced remixes, cover songs, and the opening sequence music for the show. He worked with top African artists like Patoranking, AKA, Yemi Alade, Rayvanny, and Nasty C, producing most of the covers, remixes, and seasonal songs featured on the program. This experience greatly expanded his influence and showcased his diverse production skills on a continental stage.

Young DLC’s single “Be My Girl” became a hit, remaining on AlgoaFM Top 30 charts for 15 weeks and peaking at number 5. Beyond solo success, he collaborates actively, including songwriting partnerships such as with Tristan Cortzee of December Streets. His music embraces a laid-back, vibing style, aiming to connect with audiences authentically. With educational credentials in sound technology and music business from Pretoria’s Campus of Performing Arts, Young DLC leverages his technical knowledge alongside his musical heritage. His career highlights marked by his Coke Studio tenure and Sony ATV signing illustrate a young artist blending creativity, technical skill, and African musical influences to establish a unique presence in the broader music industry