Nicholas Edem Coffie, popularly known as Yung D3mz, is a vocalist, record producer, and songwriter from Tema, Ghana. He is recognized for his afro-fusion sound, combining western R&B and pop elements with African soundscapes.
Raised in Community 5, Tema, Yung D3mz was an avid music lover growing up and spent a lot of time listening to his father’s music records, which helped shape his unique soundscape. He also taught himself how to play the guitar and began to explore music after his family moved to Uganda.
His passion and love for music composition and arrangement heightened in high school. After watching videos of music producers such as Metro Boomin, Killbeatz and Ryan Leslie, he decided to attempt producing music from his dorm room and since then honed his craft.
Yung D3mz is the producer behind Kwesi Arthur‘s hit songs “Baajo” & “Turn On The Lights”, which bagged him the Best Producer nomination at the Vodafone Ghana Music Awards (VGMA ’22).
He’s collaborated with other artists such as Twitch 4 Eva, La Même Gang, Joeboy, J. derobie, Dj P. Montana, InfamousIzak, Lapili, Psycho YP, Azanti, Herman $uede, Almighty Trei and a host of others.
Read our chat with the artist on the rise
How would you describe the kind of music you make?
Yung D3mz: I can’t really put a pin on my sound at the moment. But in a general sense, I would say the music I make is somewhere between Afro-fusion, pop, and hip hop.
What gave you the push to make the transition from producer to artist?
I always knew I had a voice and a songwriting ability from a young age, but there wasn’t a lot of confidence. Working in the studio with some of my friends gave me an environment to build that confidence. Eventually, I started to envision myself becoming a star behind the mic. I knew that it was inevitable.
How does your production background influence the music you make today?
I think learning how to produce first really made a huge difference. And that’s ‘cause I believe that once the producer and artist are at a common understanding the sound comes together well. I learnt how to really piece together a song how a producer would; focusing on the sound with the same effort I use on the lyrical content.
You’re touted as one of the top rising talents in Ghana at the moment, how does it feel to have some recognition for your efforts at this point?
Honestly, it feels great, because as an artist I do it mostly for the love, but it’s fantastic when other people show appreciation for your craft. That’s one of the major reasons why I do it. But to reach a level where I’m being recognized nationally is really phenomenal. I’m just 22 and I have so much time to build my sound, yet people are already saying I’m on the path to greatness. It’s humbling.
As an artist, what part of the creation process would you say you thrive the most?
I’d say composing. Whether I’m making new melodies or tweaking drum patterns, my mind is racing. I get very excited when I do something and it sounds the way I want it to. It’s become natural for me to compose music, and I do it in my head all the time. It’s a reflex.
Tell us a bit about how “Fever” came together?
Making Fever was a very spontaneous and quick moment in time. I had just been linked with the artist/producer badthesound from someone I went to high school with; they went to the same university. I told bad although I’m a producer I’m also an artist too, so he sent some beats in. The first beat I heard was what became of fever. Immediately the beat dropped I blurted out the hook as if I had written and recorded it before. I barely wrote the song. I just recorded it in pieces till it made sense. When I sent in the reference for feedback, everyone said I should just leave the song like that. It was a banger enough.
What’s your favorite part of the music creation process?
Recording. Right now, I’m still learning to become better, and that’s what makes it fun, the learning process brings on challenges, and I love challenges, haha. Bring it on!
What do you look for in collaborations?
I’m always trying to make sure the people I work with have some sort of an understanding or vibe with me. It’s just easier to be on the same page creatively when you fuck with someone to a certain level. Everything just flows organically.
Which artists have had the biggest influence on the music you make today? Contemporary & Classic artists alike?
There’s quite a few actually. 6lack, Kanye West, Coldplay, Burna Boy, Juice Wrld, Travis Scott, Lauren hill, R2Bees, Lil Wayne, Pharrell, Fleetwood Mac… there’s loads more but these are the people who’ve had the heaviest impact on me. I got a couple of OGs on the continent really revere like Kiki Gyan, Richard Bona, Osibisa, and Fela. Producers like Killbeatz and Scott Storch are up there too.
In what aspect would you say you’ve experienced most artistic growth since your 2020 EP took off till now?
My voice has gotten better, and as a result, so has my confidence. I think that I’m still growing in all aspects of my craft. But it’s very noticeable that I’m a far better singer than I was 2 years ago. It’s great to hear it in the music.
Put us on to some other talents in Ghana you think more people should know about?
WES7STAR 22, Moliy, Princess Adjua, Kkeda, Twitch, Black Sheriff, Däbs, Camidoh, Almighty Trei, Dj Kwamzy (he’s bossing the amapiano scene right now). I know there’s more, but these are people who are killing shit right now.
