From the quiet rhythms of Lupane to the vibrant streets of Bulawayo, a new Afro-pop voice is rising.
Anesu Qhubani Sibanda, known professionally as Dallah The 1st Son (DT1S), is an artist transforming life, love, and heritage into soulful music.
As the first male child in a family of seven, the title The 1st Son became a mission, one that now echoes through a sound blending tradition with modern Afro-pop.
But his journey began not in a studio, but in faith.
Honing his skills in the choir of the Twelve Apostolic Church of Christ, Dallah sharpened his vocals and songwriting, channeling that raw emotion into his art.
“Music was a big part during my school life,” he said.
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“Being part of the church choir helped enhance my skills.”
Inspired by the harmonies of Blaq Diamond and local talent like Calvin Mangena, Dallah has carved a lane in love songs layered with African soul.
After an initial stint at Amazon Entertainment, his sound began to crystallize in 2024 at Bulawayo’s Juice Nation Records under producer Juice Kidd.
Collaborations with artists like Owizzy and King Jones have produced tracks such as Onondaba and Ngiyakuthanda, quietly building momentum.
However, his story is also one of struggle.
With limited sponsorship and financial hurdles, Dallah has relied on resilience to keep pushing forward.
“The need for sponsors has been a challenge,” he admits, “but growing up in Bulawayo has shaped me.”
Now, he is gearing up for a potential breakthrough with a new love song he believes could change everything.
Looking ahead, he is dreaming bigger, stepping into visuals and planning live performances.
“The goal is to stay rooted in my identity while reaching audiences far beyond my surroundings,” he said
Open to collaborations and driven by an unwavering vision, Dallah The 1st Son is not just making music; he is building a legacy, one love song at a time.