Kenya’s vibrant music industry continues to produce exciting new talent, and Afro-pop duo DML 002 is quickly establishing itself as one of the country’s rising acts. The pair, who hail from Kwale County in the Coast region, are preparing to release a highly anticipated single titled Kizombi featuring Scar Mkadinali, a member of the acclaimed hip-hop group Wakadinali. Scheduled for release on July 4, the collaboration has already generated excitement among music lovers eager to hear the fusion of coastal Afro-pop and Kenyan hip-hop. The project represents an important milestone for the duo as they continue to expand their audience beyond the Coast region. By joining forces with one of Kenya’s respected rappers, DML 002 is demonstrating its ambition to compete on the national stage while remaining true to its roots.
Made up of Whity 002 and Dierxy 002, DML 002 has built its identity around blending soulful Afro-pop melodies with contemporary African rhythms. Speaking about their musical vision, the duo explained that they want to elevate coastal music while creating a distinctive sound that listeners can immediately associate with DML 002. Dierxy 002 noted that their goal is to take coastal music to another level by developing a unique musical flavor that stands out within Kenya’s competitive entertainment industry. Rather than following existing trends, the pair hopes to create music that reflects their heritage while appealing to audiences across the country. Their commitment to originality has become one of the defining characteristics of their growing career.
The collaboration with Scar Mkadinali is expected to introduce an exciting blend of genres that few fans have experienced before. DML 002’s melodic Afro-pop style complements Scar’s energetic rap delivery, creating a fresh musical combination that bridges two different audiences. While the duo brings warm coastal rhythms and emotionally driven melodies, Scar Mkadinali contributes the lyrical intensity and street-inspired sound that has made Wakadinali one of Kenya’s most influential hip-hop groups. The artists believe this combination will produce a song capable of appealing to fans of both Afro-pop and hip-hop. Scar also welcomed the opportunity to work with emerging artists, saying that such collaborations encourage creativity and allow musicians to experiment with new sounds.
DML 002 joins a proud tradition of successful musicians who have emerged from Kenya’s coastal region. The Coast has produced celebrated artists including Nyota Ndogo, Sanaipei Tande, Otile Brown, Brown Mauzo, Susumila and Masauti, all of whom have helped shape Kenya’s contemporary music scene. Inspired by these established names, Whity 002 and Dierxy 002 are determined to continue showcasing the region’s rich musical heritage. They believe that coastal artists have unique stories, cultures and sounds that deserve wider recognition across East Africa and beyond. Their music reflects both modern influences and the cultural identity of the communities where they were raised.
The duo’s musical journey began during their high school years when a shared passion for music inspired them to form a creative partnership. What started as a friendship based on common interests gradually evolved into a serious musical career built on discipline, consistency and mutual support. Over the years, they have worked to refine their songwriting, vocal performances and production quality to ensure every release meets professional standards. According to the artists, maintaining quality has remained one of their biggest priorities regardless of the size of the project. Their steady growth demonstrates the value of patience and persistence in an industry where success often takes years to achieve.
Earlier this year, DML 002 attracted attention with the release of their single No One, which introduced many listeners to their melodic Afro-pop sound. The song helped expand their fan base and positioned them among the emerging acts worth watching in Kenya’s music industry. Whity 002 described the duo as artists who blend soulful vibes with modern African rhythms to create music that connects emotionally with listeners while encouraging them to dance. Their songwriting focuses on relatable themes that resonate with everyday experiences, making their music accessible to a wide audience. This balance between meaningful lyrics and infectious melodies continues to define their artistic identity.
The group’s name also carries special significance because it reflects their connection to their home county. According to Dierxy 002, the “002” in DML 002 represents Kwale County’s official county code, making it a permanent reminder of where they come from. Rather than distancing themselves from their origins as their careers grow, the artists have embraced their identity and made it part of their brand. This decision demonstrates their commitment to representing the Coast on national and international platforms. By proudly carrying Kwale’s identity in their stage name, they hope to inspire other young creatives from the region to pursue their dreams.
Beyond the release of Kizombi, DML 002 has ambitious plans for the months ahead. The duo recently spent time recording in Nairobi while collaborating with several well-known Kenyan artists to expand their musical catalogue. They have already released Haachwi Mtu with Barnaba and have revealed that additional collaborations featuring Breeder LW, Kushman and Tipsy Gee are expected in the near future. These partnerships highlight their strategy of working with artists from different genres to reach broader audiences while continuing to develop their sound. Their willingness to collaborate shows a clear desire to grow creatively and strengthen their position within Kenya’s evolving music landscape.
DML 002’s collaboration with Scar Mkadinali represents more than just the release of a new song. It symbolizes the growing unity between different musical styles and regions within Kenya’s entertainment industry. By combining coastal Afro-pop with hip-hop, the artists are creating a project that celebrates diversity while showcasing the country’s musical talent. As the duo continues to release quality music and secure strategic collaborations, they are positioning themselves among Kenya’s most promising emerging acts. With Kizombi set for release and more projects already in the pipeline, DML 002 appears well placed to continue building its reputation and carrying the sound of Kenya’s Coast to even bigger audiences.
