Lawrence Sean Sibanda was born in Johannesburg in 1993 to Zimbabwean immigrants. While his parents migrated to England, Dragg returned to Zimbabwe and came to realise that Bulawayo and Johannesburg were culturally, linguistically and musically very interwoven. Following a diagnosis with a severe case of meningitis at 12, Dragg’s eyesight and hearing deteriorated, later rendering him completely blind. Not letting his health complications become a hindrance, he set out to accomplish another vision with his remarkable ability to rhyme. Dragg has shared a stage with the likes of The Game, JLS, Wretch 32, Tim Westwood, DJ Ace and DJ Edu. We decided to catch up with Dragg as he releases new single ‘Prayed up’.
What inspired you to get into music?
Music has always been in and around me for as long as I can remember. When I was younger, mum used to play all sorts of music when she was doing her chores, anything from Tracy Chapman, Shania Twain, Westlife, Celine Dion to some of our own African greats like Brenda Fasi, Oliver Mtukudzi, Miriam Makeba and Angelique Kidjo. This sparked a certain level of creativity within me, and when later on I faced my own life challenges, song writing became the theraputic outlet I would use to express my emotions.
How would you describe your music?
Hip Hop is the culture I fell in love with, and it also welcomed and loved me back. However, in my style of writing and production choices, you will find influence from other genres like Reggae, Classical, Soul, and ambient.
What would you say is your recording and song writing style?
My lyrical content is very diverse depending on how I feel at that moment. I have written songs about my life, relationships, my mother, social issues affecting the poor as well as mental health awareness, particularly a song called “Untold Story”, written for the “Help Our Heros” charity from the perspective of a war veterann.
In my latest single “Prayed Up”, (available in all stores right now) I comment on the political and social issues facing young people in my home town of Johannesburg, South Africa.
Where would you like to see your music career in 5 years time?
In the next 5 years, my ambition is to grow my brand and be a prominent song writer. I have a goal of having 1000 songs registered to my catalog by the time it’s all set and done for me so I’m hoping the next 5 years will take a big chunk off that target lol.
Where can music fans listen your music?
My music is available on all digital platforms where music can be bought or streamed. Or you can find me on social media: DRAGGOFFICIAL is my handle.
For more information. Visit: https://ditto.fm/prayedup
