MARCO DE VIL
If you haven’t heard of Marco De Vil, he’s a Cape Townbased singer, songwriter, rapper, and model. In 2023 he released his single, Don’t Want You Back, followed by Complicated. When we asked him what else he’s working on, he said he’s expanding his horizons — hopefully internationally — and he’s planning several shows. We caught up with him to find out what’s on his cultural radar.
Which apps are you currently using?
There are a few. Instagram is on top of the list when it comes to my social platforms. I’m into Canva as well. I use it for editing and to make promotional material to push my project. I’ve used it consistently. It’s a great tool for any creative and business projects.
Which artists are you listening to?
I have a few on my list. Right now, I’m into DDG and 347aidan from the US; these are on continuous rotation. I’m also into Lauryn Hill, OutKast, MF Doom, Kanye West, Drake and then some New-Age cats like Pouya and Ken Carson. As a musician, I’m always listening to different types of music across all genres to keep my mind feeling fresh and creative whenever I need inspiration. Locally, I’m bumping Nasty C and Shane Eagle whenever I get a chance. I love their vision and brand ethic. They’re also my top two favourite musicians I’d love to work with. I also can’t leave out Kehlani and Kinneret in my female category list.
Your top two favourite films of all time?
Back to the Future and Jurassic Park. Whenever I needed a teleportation device to escape reality for a few seconds I’d grab my DVD and voila, I was gone. Best film ever! To this day, I keep telling my friends that Hollywood should bring some of their old camera equipment back. I’d kill to watch a movie that looks like it was made in the 1980s and 1990s. The feeling is different. Steven
Spielberg is the greatest film director ever. There’s not one film of his I haven’t seen. [He’s] imaginative and creative. He made films that helped young souls like me escape for a bit. Growing up, I was drawn [to] and intrigued by dinosaurs, so Jurassic Park blew my mind the minute I watched it. It felt so real.
What are you watching on TV? Are there any series on your magic list?
Euphoria, Snowfall, Top Boy. These will keep me bingeing any day of the week. I’ve fallen in love with Euphoria and its cast. They’ve shown poetic artistry and the harsh reality of life as a teen. Everything about it is brilliant. Snowfall is my second favourite. With the polarising cast and characters, the show [portrays] the struggles and dark history of the post-crack epidemic in America.
What’s your dream destination?
Egypt. It’s on my bucket list to climb the pyramids. I’d love to stay there for a while to soak in the culture and the remnants of the past. I’d like to slip my feet into the sand and watch the sun come up, turning the sand to gold. The rich, ancient history has always captivated me. Old Egyptian culture is intriguing to me. Do you know what they do to you before wrapping you up and calling you a mummy? It’s so interesting and it seems to be a beautiful place.
What do you do in your downtime?
In my free time, I game. I’m a competitive gamer. I prefer to look at it as a creative outlet. When I’m not making music and I need some inspiration and new ideas, games and movies are my go-to. I’m a huge Fortnite and Call of Duty gamer. They are two of my favourite online multiplayer games. I also go to the cinema when I’m not working. There’s nothing better than a good movie and some snacks before heading back into the world of work. —
The Cape Town-based rapper, singer, songwriter and model shares his playlist with us and tells us what he’s obsessed with on the small and big screen