'D' FOR DINO JAMES

Rapper, singer-songwriter, composer, music producer, storyteller and YouTube sensation, Dino James is a self-made burgeoning talent. He frequently credits most of his success to his mentor — his mother, with his debut album released in May last year, dedicated to her.

- Verus Ferreira

His album pays tribute to her by featuring a prayer in her enthralling voice whilst also paying homage to his South Indian roots and culture.

Dino always wanted to be an actor. He came to Mumbai in 2002 with lots of dreams. He got a job in an advertisement agency, did a bit of modelling and other jobs to support himself, but found the going tough. After 8 years and with time ticking, he decided to return home to Ghoradongri, Sarni in Madhya Pradesh in 2010, and help his father who was an electrician. In 2012, he returned to Mumbai where many of his friends told him he had the talent of a writer. With the right contacts, he made his way into the music industry.

In 2016, the 31-year-old released his debut song Loser, and later Girlfriend, which struck a sensitive chord with people. In May 2022, he released his debut album D.

VERUS FERREIRA met Dino James to find out more about his music and album.

What inspires you to be a singer/songwriter?

Hip-hop is one of the most powerful art forms in India and across the globe today, and rap specifically is incredibly versatile. I got into rap to talk about real life by giving a voice to what my experiences, my life and my story have been about. The beauty of rap is that it is like water; it can take the shape of whatever format you want to fit it in, whatever story you want to tell. This is how some of the hip-hop legends like Eminem, Kendrick and Jay Z carved a niche for themselves in the genre, which was by telling true and authentic stories through rap. This is where I draw inspiration from — authentic stories, real people and the versatility of the art form.

Tell us about your family, how they supported you.