Anthony Chike Dil Ajufo is a singer-songwriter and sound producer. Also known as Mr DiL, he was born in West London, and studied at the Federal Government College, Lagos. On moving back to the UK, he developed an already budding interest in music by teaming up with artistes such as Big Brovaz, Paragon and Red Rhythm.
He went further to pursue a degree in music business and technology. The British-Nigerian singer and record producer, in October 2010, produced Kween‘s comeback song – Gold Digger. Previously, he co-wrote the track Someone Call The Doctor, which was featured on the Emmy Award winning hit TV show, Queer Eye For The Straight Guy.
He was already immersing himself in the fame that was gradually coming his way until studio music production suck his breath. In music, he is best known for his 2019 sound track to the Kasanova movie, Don’t Let Go and his song, Pretty Girls, featuring Iyanya. His previous work includes his collaboration with Yemi Alade on the popular song, Temperature, as well as production and collaboration credits with artistes like Wizkid, Red Rhythm, Boyz II Men, Leona Lewis, Michelle Williams Electric Giant Beatz and more.
“I’ve been in audio post production for about five years, now,” he says with smiles. He adds, “it’s been great, so far, no challenges except maybe expansion.” He says: “I haven’t released a song since 2016.
I am no longer a music artiste, at least, not in the normal way. I am now into film.” In music, he is best known for his 2019 sound track to the Kasanova movie, Don’t Let Go and his song, Pretty Girls, featuring Iyanya.
His previous work includes his collaboration with Yemi Alade on the popular song Temperature as well as production and collaboration credits with artists including Wizkid, Red Rhythm, Boyz II Men, Leona Lewis, Michelle Williams Electric Giant Beatz and more. He won a silver sales award for In music, he is best known for his 2019 sound track to the Kasanova movie, Don’t Let Go and his song, Pretty Girls, featuring Iyanya. His previous work includes his collaboration with Yemi Alade on the popular song Temperature as well as production and collaboration credits with artists including Wizkid, Red Rhythm, Boyz II Men, Leona Lewis, Michelle Williams Electric Giant Beatz and more.
He won a silver sales award for his work on the Lavelle smith Bodylicious soundtrack. Good Has he left singing? “I am an audio post production specialist and I run a studio called Trakk Studios. Among some of the things I have done include, being the first to introduce 5.
1 surround sound format to the Nigerian cinema, when I started in 2019. I have worked in over 30 movie titles since then.I was nominated for an AMVCA in 2022 for best sound editor.
I have worked on chart topping movies both local and international including, Anikukapo 2, She Must Be Obeyed, Sugar Rush, Nneka The Pretty Serpent and more.” Mr DiL says with a glint of pride , “I also act and I have been in a few movies as well. I am one of the leading audio post specialists in Nigeria and I have worked with many notable actors and producers including Film One, Funke Akindele, Jade Osiberu, Chinney luv Eze, Stan Nze, Tosin Igho, Vincent Okonkwo and many more.
Yes, I used to be an artist and I still make songs abd soundtracks and maybe one day I might go back to releasing more songs.” This afternoon, he is unmistakable. It is possible that others would not recognise him grown old and that you only know him in some part of you that has not forgotten.
You were the first to do a 5.1 Surround sound mix in film for the Cinemas back in early 2019, can you state how that came about? “I had studied surround sound mixing at school in UK, back in 2005, it was something he pitched to producers in 2011/2012 when cinemas became big. At the time, they were reluctant to make that attempt into mixing in 5.
1 surround sound,” he looks up and smiles, “eventually though, I pitched again years later, this time directly to the cinemas and they agreed to promote that format.” DiL explains, “they then started advising producers they partnered with to work with me in that format and as a result I quite a few movies and movie trailers in surround sound during my first year.” He is also a film editor, audio sound engineer and AMVCA nominee.
Known for his work on Sugar Rush, Nneka The Pretty Serpent, Introducing The Kuju’s and The Order Of Things, he reveals: “It was great being nominated for AMVCA as it occurred roughly after my first year in the industry. My goal was to win it in my first year but being nominated was an honour.” On his song, Nigerian Girl, he refreshes Michael Jackson‘s Librarian Girl but with a theme that brings it closer to home.
He takes the Up-tempo route with Low, and then he slows it down. From music to film, how has the transition been? “It was different and it requires a different type of mindset. As an artist, I was responsible for myself, my art and my music.
As an audio post production specialist, I’m responsible for my clients projects. Any mistakes are not mine to make but ours to bear so I try to make sure there is no room for error.” He says: “My biggest challenge was the first Nigerian movie I worked on.
It was called Last Bus To Lagos and was released early February 2019. It was challenging technically and was my first 5.1 Surround sound project for cinema so a lot of lessons were learnt from that.
Acting and working as a sound producer, which one gives him more challenge and which one will more likely concentrate efforts on in the future? If he had his way, he wouldn’t opt for acting, in any way. He has, however, acted in a quite a few movies by producers such as Chinny Luv Eze, Uche Jombo and Esse Odometa. Movies like For The One, Marriage Room Mates etc.
He says, “the job of a sound specialist is definitely more challenging. I love acting but I’d definitely say audio post is more challenging for me but as for what I will concentrate more on, that’s left to be seen.” Some of the people who knew him back then and are hoping that he will gift the industry a song again are not far from his thought.
How soon will you be releasing songs for the entertainment industry? “Who knows, I might be releasing some new music soon. Though I do include some of my music in many movies I work on,” he says. What first got him into sound/audio production? “Well, I studied it while I was at the West London University.
It wasn’t something I was particularly interested in at the time but the more movies I watched the more I got interested until I finally decided to make an attempt at the film industry,” he confesses. The inspiration came from watching and enjoying movies. “My initial focus was sound for cinema only and then I transitioned into doing sound for streaming platforms.
” He would describe it as “entertaining, challenging and fulfilling when you see all the elements of a film come together to create something great.” There were times, though, when the lunatic reaches of the Internet compel you to think otherwise, but Mr DiL is not disturbed by this. He says, “the nternet has definitely helped in not only educating us on the business but also in promoting Nollywood to the diaspora and the rest of the world.
” On his favourite song, he breathes, “hmmm, I have many favourites. The God Father, Interstellar, Bad Boys, etc.” Which famous musicians do you admire? “ Zac Snyder.
I think he embodies a lot of what I aspire to.” What is one message you would give to your fans? “Just to keep pushing, learn to network and be consistent, no matter what.” If you could change anything about the industry, what would it be? “ At the moment I would change nothing, “ he smiles.
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