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Dutchavelli
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Key Information
Stephan Allen (born 11 November 1993), better known by his stage name Dutchavelli, is a British rapper. His name comes in part from the fact that he and his family (including his sister, Stefflon Don, a rapper)[1] spent their formative years in Rotterdam, and he initially went under the name 'Dutch'.[2][3] He has worked with artists such as Stormzy, Gzuz, and Tion Wayne and has achieved Top 40 hits with songs such as "I Dunno", "Burning" and "808", the former peaking at number 7 in the charts.[4]
Early life
[edit]Stephan Allen was born in Birmingham to parents of Jamaican descent.[3] He has six siblings including rapper, Stefflon Don and X-factor contestant, Princess Diamz and is the fourth of seven children. When he was a year old, his family moved to Rotterdam, Netherlands, (hence Allen's stage name); around a decade later they moved back to Clapton in Hackney, East London. He cites that instead of sitting around the dinner table to eat they would play each other music ranging from Bob Marley to Aretha Franklin.[3] After first recording in his teens, although he was spurred on by those around him, at age 17 he was handed a six months prison sentence for an unspecified offence which delayed the start of his music career.[5]
Career
[edit]Dutchavelli began his career as Dutch in 2016 releasing songs such as 'New Jack City' whilst making appearances on Rinse FM.[5] Further legal trouble involving an armed robbery and stabbing charge in 2018 curtailed his career for another two years while imprisoned on remand.[6] He was later acquitted of the main charge but convicted of perverting the course of justice, and sentenced to 22 months.[7] After being released on licence he began to gain recognition in 2020 with a series of hits which began with 'Only If You Knew' which racked up 20 million views in eight months.[3] Further hits such as 'Surely'[8] alongside collaborations with artists such as Stormzy and M Huncho began to cement his name as one of the leading emerging talents within the drill scene.
Dutchavelli was named on the BBC Sound of... 2021 longlist. 10 artists were nominated by industry experts and artists such as Stormzy, AJ Tracey, and Billie Eilish.[9]
In popular culture
[edit]Dutchavelli has gained a reputation for being seen as a tough individual. This, paired with his large stature – he is 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m) in height[10] – has led to a proliferation of memes relating to this within popular culture.[11]
Personal life
[edit]Discography
[edit]Mixtapes
[edit]| Title | Mixtape details | Peak chart positions | Certifications |
|---|---|---|---|
| UK [13] | |||
| Dutch from the 5th |
|
8 |
Singles
[edit]As lead artist
[edit]| Title | Year | Peak chart positions | Certifications | Album |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UK [13] | ||||
| "Speeding" | 2017 | — | Non-album singles | |
| "Feel The Same" (featuring Krissy) |
— | |||
| "Let It Breathe" | — | |||
| "John Wayne" | 2018 | — | ||
| "Only If You Knew" | 2020 | 95 |
|
Dutch from the 5th |
| "Black" | 75 | Non-album single | ||
| "Bando Diaries" | 35 |
|
Dutch from the 5th | |
| "Cool with Me" (featuring M1llionz) |
29 | |||
| "Never Really Mine" | 99 |
| ||
| "Zero Zero" | 52 | |||
| "I'll Call You Back" | 63 | |||
| "Rumours" | 2021 | — | Non-album singles | |
| "Circle The Endz" | — | |||
| "Wise Guy" | — | |||
| "Hold On" | — | |||
| "Never Forget You" | 99 | |||
| "Jason Bourne" | 2022 | — | ||
| "Robot" | — | |||
| "Done with Singing" | — | |||
| "Bumpy One" | — | |||
| "Voodoo Doctor" | — | |||
| "Welcome to the Party" | — | |||
| "Opp Block" (featuring Fire) |
2023 | — | ||
| "Brave" | — | |||
| "Purge" | 2024 | — | ||
| "Fly High" (with Nine Yard) |
— |
As featured artist
[edit]| Title | Year | Peak chart positions | Certifications | Album | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| UK [13] |
AUS [15] | ||||
| "All Dem Talk" (Noizy featuring Gzuz and Dutchavelli) |
2020 | — | — | Non-album singles | |
| "Burning" (GRM Daily featuring M Huncho and Dutchavelli) |
13 | — |
| ||
| "I Dunno" (Tion Wayne featuring Stormzy and Dutchavelli) |
7 | — |
| ||
| "808" (Da Beatfreakz featuring DigDat, B Young and Dutchavelli) |
20 | — | |||
| "Better" (Onefour featuring Carnage and Dutchavelli)[16] |
— | 52 | Against All Odds | ||
References
[edit]- ^ "'I didn't need to rob because of my famous sister'". Kent Online. 29 November 2019. Retrieved 14 November 2020.
- ^ "Stefflon Don: 'I'm not going to compromise, or not say what I want'". The Guardian. 2 April 2017. Retrieved 9 October 2020.
- ^ a b c d "This Is the Year of Dutchavelli". Vice.com. 2 July 2020. Retrieved 9 October 2020.
- ^ "DUTCHAVELLI | full Official Chart History | Official Charts Company". www.officialcharts.com. Retrieved 9 October 2020.
- ^ a b "Noisey Cover Story Lockdown 2020: Dutchavelli". Vice.com. 2 July 2020. Retrieved 9 October 2020.
- ^ Hannah, Hastings (27 September 2019). "Seven people on trial after Kent father left strangled and stabbed in front of his children". Epping Forest Guardian. Epping Forest Guardian. Retrieved 14 April 2023.
- ^ Paul, Hooper. "Rapper Stefflon Don's brother 'didn't need to' rob Yalding family 'because of famous sister'". Kent Online. Kent Online. Retrieved 14 April 2023.
- ^ "Dutchavelli Keeps Up The Pace With New Drill Offering "Surely"". Complex. Retrieved 9 October 2020.
- ^ "The BBC Sound of 2021 longlist has been revealed". The Independent. 7 December 2020. Retrieved 7 December 2020.
- ^ Dutchavelli: bringing the real back to UK rap, The Face, 21 September 2020
- ^ "Five emerging artists we can't wait to see playing live in London". Evening Standard. 21 July 2020. Retrieved 9 October 2020.
- ^ "برطانوی ریپر ڈچ ویلی نے اسلام قبول کرلیا". jang.com.pk. Retrieved 4 August 2022.
- ^ a b c "DUTCHAVELLI | full Official Chart History". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 25 November 2020.
- ^ a b c d e f "British certifications – Dutchavelli". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved 4 October 2025. Type Dutchavelli in the "Search BPI Awards" field and then press Enter.
- ^ "The ARIA Report: Week Commencing 23 November 2020". The ARIA Report. No. 1603. Australian Recording Industry Association. 23 November 2020. p. 4.
- ^ W, Courtney (12 November 2020). "Dutchavelli & Carnage join Australia's Onefour on lively offering "Better"". GRM Daily. Retrieved 14 March 2021.
Dutchavelli
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Early life
Family background and birth
Stephan Allen, known professionally as Dutchavelli, was born on 11 November 1993 in Birmingham, England, to parents of Jamaican and Trinidadian descent.[8][2] He is the fifth of seven siblings, with his older sister Stephanie Allen, better known as the rapper Stefflon Don, being just one year his senior.[8] This familial tie has linked Dutchavelli to the music industry through Stefflon Don's established career in rap and dancehall.[8] The family's early home life was shaped by strong Jamaican cultural influences, including exposure to reggae and soul music from artists like Buju Banton and Bob Marley, which permeated their household environment.[3]Childhood relocations and early influences
Stephan Allen, known professionally as Dutchavelli, was born in Birmingham, England, to parents of Jamaican and Trinidadian heritage. Shortly after his birth, his family relocated to Rotterdam, Netherlands, where he spent his early childhood immersed in a multicultural environment. This move, occurring when he was still a baby, marked the beginning of a peripatetic upbringing that would profoundly shape his identity.[1] During his formative years in Rotterdam, Dutchavelli developed a noticeable Dutch accent, which later inspired the "Dutch" prefix in his stage name, distinguishing him within the UK rap scene. The city's diverse immigrant communities, including those from Suriname, Curaçao, and Portugal, exposed him to a blend of cultures that broadened his early worldview. Non-musical influences from the urban street life in Rotterdam began to form his resilience, contrasting with the more insular British roots he had briefly known. At home, his large family of seven siblings, including rapper Stefflon Don, fostered an environment rich in music, drawing from Jamaican traditions such as reggae and dancehall artists like Buju Banton and Bob Marley, which ignited his initial interest in hip-hop and rhythmic expression.[2][1] Around the age of 10 to 12, Dutchavelli's family returned to the United Kingdom, settling in Upper Clapton, Hackney, East London. This relocation during early adolescence plunged him into the dynamic, high-energy urban landscape of the capital, requiring rapid adaptation to British schooling and social norms. The shift from Rotterdam's relatively subdued setting to London's intense street environment amplified his exposure to gritty realities, further molding his perspective on survival and community. Challenges such as adjusting to his lingering Dutch accent and a subsequent dyslexia diagnosis added layers to his cultural navigation, while continued family musical traditions—now incorporating UK rap pioneers like Dizzee Rascal and Skepta via Channel U—deepened his affinity for hip-hop as a medium for storytelling.[1][2][9]Career
Entry into music and drill scene
Dutchavelli adopted the stage name "Dutch" in 2016 while based in London, reflecting his early years spent in Rotterdam, Netherlands, where his family had relocated shortly after his birth.[10][11] This moniker drew from his Dutch upbringing and marked his initial foray into music following a return to the UK around age 10, where urban experiences in East London shaped his artistic direction.[1] He evolved the name to Dutchavelli in the ensuing years as he immersed himself in London's UK drill scene, particularly around Tottenham and Hackney, gaining traction through local freestyles and radio appearances on platforms like Rinse FM.[11][12] His early work aligned with the genre's raw energy, emphasizing authentic street narratives drawn from personal hardships and neighborhood dynamics.[1] Dutchavelli's first notable release was the underground track "New Jack City" in September 2016, produced amid his post-incarceration transition and capturing the gritty essence of drill.[13][1] Throughout the late 2010s, he continued dropping similar low-profile tracks and freestyles, building a grassroots following via affiliations with outlets like GRM Daily, which later amplified his presence in the scene.[14] These efforts highlighted influences from UK rap contemporaries, focusing on unfiltered depictions of street life rather than commercial polish.[4]Breakthrough hits and mixtapes
Dutchavelli's breakthrough came in early 2020 with the release of "Only If You Knew," a gritty drill track that captured his raw storytelling about street life and personal hardships, earning widespread acclaim for its authenticity within the UK drill scene.[15] The music video, directed and uploaded by GRM Daily on January 19, 2020, quickly went viral, amassing over 11 million YouTube views by July and surpassing 22 million by November, propelling Dutchavelli from underground buzz to national attention.[1][9] This success highlighted his booming delivery and introspective lyrics, distinguishing him amid the evolving drill landscape. Building on this momentum, Dutchavelli secured several Top 40 entries on the UK Singles Chart in 2020. His collaboration with Tion Wayne and Stormzy on "I Dunno," released in May, peaked at number 7, blending infectious hooks with drill energy and becoming one of the year's standout rap anthems.[16] "Burning," a joint effort with M Huncho released in June under GRM Daily, reached number 13, showcasing tense production and themes of resilience that resonated with fans.[17] Similarly, "808" with DigDat and B Young, dropped in September by Da Beatfreakz, debuted at number 20, its trap-drill fusion contributing to Dutchavelli's rising profile through high-energy verses.[18] Capping his breakout year, Dutchavelli released his debut mixtape Dutch from the 5th on November 6, 2020, via Parlophone Records, which debuted and peaked at number 8 on the UK Albums Chart.[19] The 16-track project delved into introspective narratives on incarceration, loss, and redemption, with standout cuts like the title track and "Bando Diaries" offering deeper emotional layers beyond typical drill bravado, earning praise for elevating the genre's storytelling.[20]Recent releases and collaborations
Dutchavelli earned a nomination on the BBC Sound of 2021 longlist, selected by industry experts including artists like Stormzy and AJ Tracey for his emerging talent in the UK rap scene.[21] Following his 2020 mixtape Dutch from the 5th, he sustained his profile through a series of singles rather than full-length projects, releasing tracks that built on his drill foundations while incorporating varied collaborations.[22] Notable post-2020 releases include the 2021 single "Rumours", produced by Geno, Munroe, and Pluggy P, which addressed personal speculation amid his rising fame.[23] In 2023, he collaborated with Tion Wayne and Russ Millions on "In This Life", a track highlighting interpersonal dynamics in the rap world.[24] His 2024 output featured "Feel the Same" with Krissy in January, exploring emotional connections, and "Purge" in June, marking a return after a quieter period earlier in the year.[25][26] Additional 2024 singles such as "Fly High", "Let It Breathe", "Speeding", and "Brave" underscored his focus on standalone releases. Earlier collaborations extended to international artists, including Gzuz on Noizy's 2020 track "All Dem Talk".[27] In 2025, Dutchavelli featured on Giggs and Tion Wayne's "Road To Billions", released on January 21, and on Chareldior's "Action" with Choco, released on March 24.[28][29] This phase of Dutchavelli's career emphasized selective singles over albums, with tracks like "Rumours" and "Feel the Same" shifting toward introspective content on reputation and relationships, diverging slightly from his initial high-energy drill style.[23][25]Personal life
Family relationships
Dutchavelli shares a close familial bond with his sister, the British rapper Stefflon Don (real name Stephanie Allen), as one of seven siblings raised in a music-oriented household.[1] Their shared Jamaican and Trinidadian heritage, inherited from their parents, has influenced their respective paths in the music industry, where both draw from reggae, dancehall, and hip-hop roots absorbed during childhood.[2] This sibling connection extends to mutual encouragement, with the family environment fostering creative pursuits amid professional challenges.[30] Among his other siblings, including figures active in creative fields, Dutchavelli highlights the role of familial dynamics as a key support system, providing emotional stability during his career trajectory.[1] While public information on his parents remains sparse, emphasizing their musical inclinations—such as his mother's choir involvement and father's dabbling in music—the emphasis falls on sibling ties as an ongoing pillar of resilience.[30]Religious conversion
In 2022, Dutchavelli converted to Islam, a decision influenced by the religion's teachings during a period of personal reflection. The announcement came via a viral video shared on social media platforms, depicting him reciting the Shahadah.[31][32]Legal issues and controversies
Imprisonments and convictions
Dutchavelli, born Stephan Allen in 1993, faced his first significant legal entanglement as a juvenile in the early 2010s. At the age of 17, he was sentenced to six years in prison for an unspecified offense, ultimately serving five years, which profoundly delayed the onset of his music career.[1][2] This period of incarceration stemmed from involvement in street life during his youth in East London, marking an early interruption to his creative pursuits.[1] In 2018, Allen encountered further legal troubles when he was arrested in connection with a violent home invasion robbery in Yalding, Kent, in March of that year. He was charged with robbery, possession of an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear, grievous bodily harm with intent, and encouraging or assisting in a serious offense.[33] Held on remand for 22 months, his trial at Maidstone Crown Court in 2019 resulted in acquittals on the primary charges of robbery and firearm possession after a three-month proceeding. However, he was convicted of perverting the course of justice for attempting to dissuade a witness, receiving a 22-month sentence, and was released immediately upon sentencing in November 2019, having already served the full term in custody.[33][20] These imprisonments significantly impacted Allen's emerging career in the UK drill scene. His initial juvenile sentence postponed music production until his early 20s, while the 2018-2020 remand halted any potential releases during that period, limiting his visibility until his post-release breakthrough in early 2020.[4][2] Upon returning, the authenticity derived from his experiences enhanced his narrative in drill music, as evidenced in tracks like "Kaka," where he reflects on lost time to the system and reluctance to return to prison: "No face, I don't wanna go prison / Been there, I don't wanna go back / I lost so much time to the system."[34] This stint, his last conviction as of 2020, has since informed themes of rehabilitation and personal growth in his lyrics, underscoring a shift toward redemption without any ongoing sentences.[1][4]Post-2020 incidents and allegations
In June 2020, Robert Powell, the 50-year-old former manager of rapper Dutchavelli, was killed in a drive-by shooting as he left a house party in Roydon, near Harlow, Essex. Powell was shot eight times with a semi-automatic pistol fired from a passing vehicle and died at the scene despite emergency efforts. The attack was linked to organized crime networks, with investigations revealing it stemmed from disputes over drug operations. Two women were also injured by stray bullets.[35][36][37] The case progressed through multiple trials, with two men, Nana Oppong and Israar Shah, convicted of murder in May 2024 and sentenced to life imprisonment later that month. In November 2025, a third individual, Temitope Adeyinka, 41, from Stratford, east London, was convicted of manslaughter for his role in the shooting at Woolwich Crown Court and sentenced to 19 years' imprisonment on 13 November 2025. Adeyinka, who acted as a spotter for the gunman, had fled to Spain after the incident but was extradited following his arrest in 2024. Essex Police continue to investigate and hunt for others involved. This marked the culmination of a five-year investigation by Essex Police.[37][38][39][40] In September 2024, Dutchavelli became embroiled in a public feud with rapper Tion Wayne, accusing him of cooperating with police following an altercation, which Dutchavelli claimed forced him into hiding and prompted his extended absence from social media and new music releases. He detailed the accusations in a video post. The dispute reignited tensions from a 2022 physical altercation between the two in Dubai. Tion Wayne did not publicly respond to the allegations.[41] In 2020, unverified screenshots emerged on Instagram purporting to show Dutchavelli exchanging inappropriate messages with a 14-year-old girl. Dutchavelli denied the claims in an Instagram Live video, labeling them "fake news" and asserting they were fabricated to damage his reputation. No criminal charges were filed in connection with the matter. The incident, which resurfaced in discussions in 2024, added to ongoing scrutiny of his public image amid prior legal history.[42]Discography
Mixtapes and EPs
Dutchavelli's debut mixtape, Dutch from the 5th, was released on 6 November 2020 through Parlophone Records and consists of 16 tracks.[43] The project debuted and peaked at number 8 on the UK Albums Chart, spending five weeks in the top 100, and topped the UK Hip Hop and R&B Albums Chart.[19] It was later certified Silver by the British Phonographic Industry in June 2023 for sales exceeding 60,000 units.[44] The mixtape explores themes of street life, personal growth, and reflections on past mistakes, blending the raw energy of UK drill with introspective lyricism that reveals vulnerability amid the genre's typical bravado.[20] Tracks like "Segregation" and "Bando Diaries" delve into the bleak realities of road life and systemic challenges, while production features ominous, evocative beats that elevate the sound to studio-album quality.[20] Critics praised its authenticity and maturity, with The Guardian highlighting Dutchavelli's commanding yet empathic presence as a "fearsome talent" pushing drill into deeper emotional territory.[20] Clash noted the unfiltered truths delivered with skillful finesse, underscoring the mixtape's role in establishing him as a major UK rap voice.[45] No additional mixtapes or EPs have been released by Dutchavelli as of November 2025, with his output since 2020 primarily consisting of singles that occasionally reference the introspective style introduced in Dutch from the 5th.[46]Singles as lead artist
Dutchavelli's singles as lead artist have primarily been released through Parlophone Records, showcasing his drill-influenced style with introspective and street-oriented themes. His breakthrough came with tracks that gained traction via streaming platforms and music videos, though few achieved significant commercial chart success in the UK. Key releases include non-album singles and standalone tracks that highlight his independent hustle before major label backing. "Only If You Knew," released on January 19, 2020, marked Dutchavelli's entry into mainstream recognition as a lead artist. The track peaked at No. 95 on the UK Singles Chart and amassed over 50 million streams on Spotify, with its GRM Daily music video garnering 65 million views on YouTube.[47][48][49][14] Other notable 2020 releases included "Surely" on March 26 and "Black" on July 16, the latter peaking at No. 75 on the UK Singles Chart.[50][51][52] In 2021, Dutchavelli issued several non-charting singles independently in the sense of limited promotional push outside streaming, focusing on raw production and personal narratives. "Rumours," released March 28, 2021, preceded "Circle The Endz," released April 22, 2021, both exemplifying this phase with their gritty depiction of street life. "Wise Guy," a non-album single dropped on June 10, 2021, earned approximately 2.8 million Spotify streams without entering the UK charts. "Hold On," released August 20, 2021, followed a similar trajectory as an unpromoted standalone track. "Never Forget You," issued November 19, 2021, briefly charted at No. 99 on the UK Singles Chart.[23][53][49][54][55][56] In 2022, releases included "Jason Bourne," a non-charting standalone track reflecting continued personal narratives. More recently, "Purge," released June 7, 2024, represents Dutchavelli's return to solo output post-incarceration, accumulating over 350,000 Spotify streams but failing to chart in the UK. Additional 2024 singles include "Brave" (February 17, ~234,000 Spotify streams), "Speeding" (~199,000 Spotify streams), and "Fly High," all non-charting.[57][58][59] None of his lead singles have received BPI certifications to date.| Title | Release Date | UK Peak | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Only If You Knew | January 19, 2020 | 95 | Over 50M Spotify streams; 65M YouTube views |
| Surely | March 26, 2020 | — | Non-charting standalone |
| Black | July 16, 2020 | 75 | Charting standalone |
| Rumours | March 28, 2021 | — | Non-charting standalone |
| Circle The Endz | April 22, 2021 | — | Non-charting standalone |
| Wise Guy | June 10, 2021 | — | Non-album; ~2.8M Spotify streams |
| Hold On | August 20, 2021 | — | Independent-style release |
| Never Forget You | November 19, 2021 | 99 | Brief chart entry |
| Jason Bourne | 2022 | — | Non-charting standalone |
| Brave | February 17, 2024 | — | ~234K Spotify streams |
| Speeding | 2024 | — | ~199K Spotify streams |
| Purge | June 7, 2024 | — | Recent post-release track; ~350K Spotify streams |
| Fly High | 2024 | — | Non-charting standalone |
Singles as featured artist
Dutchavelli has made significant contributions as a featured artist on various tracks, particularly in the UK drill and rap scenes, where his verses often add gritty energy and international flair to collaborative efforts. His appearances have helped bridge UK urban music with European and other global influences, expanding his audience beyond solo releases.[52] One of his most prominent features came on Tion Wayne's "I Dunno," which also included Stormzy and peaked at number 7 on the UK Singles Chart in 2020, marking a major crossover success for Dutchavelli in mainstream rap.[16] Similarly, his contribution to GRM Daily's "Burning" alongside M Huncho reached number 13 on the UK chart that same year, showcasing his ability to elevate platform-specific tracks into commercial hits.[60] In 2020, Dutchavelli featured on Da Beatfreakz's "808" with DigDat and B Young, which climbed to number 20 on the UK Singles Chart, highlighting his role in high-energy, bass-driven collaborations that resonated in club and streaming environments.[61] That year also saw him join Albanian rapper Noizy and German artist Gzuz on "All Dem Talk," a multilingual track that underscored his growing international profile by blending UK drill with European hip-hop styles.[27] More recently, in 2024, he featured on Immortal Mixed.It's "Gunman," a non-charting release, and in 2025, appeared on Chareldior's "Action" with Choco, a release that continued his pattern of supporting emerging artists while maintaining his distinctive flow in the evolving UK rap landscape.[62][29] These features not only boosted chart performance but also demonstrated Dutchavelli's versatility in supporting roles, fostering networks that amplified his reach across borders and genres.[52]| Title | Main Artist(s) | Year | UK Peak |
|---|---|---|---|
| I Dunno | Tion Wayne feat. Dutchavelli & Stormzy | 2020 | 7 |
| Burning | GRM Daily feat. M Huncho & Dutchavelli | 2020 | 13 |
| 808 | Da Beatfreakz feat. Dutchavelli, DigDat & B Young | 2020 | 20 |
| All Dem Talk | Noizy feat. Gzuz & Dutchavelli | 2020 | — |
| Gunman | Immortal Mixed.It feat. Dutchavelli | 2024 | — |
| Action | Chareldior feat. Dutchavelli & Choco | 2025 | — |