While we know that festival SZN feels like a lifetime away – and the rain is making this feeling all the more real – there is no harm in planning for a future filled with stellar live performances and days spent soaking in the sun. And, if festivals are currently on the brain, we think that DLT: Malta is one you should consider when booking. Founded by Michael Amusan, Ife Awosika, Bosun Apata and Anthony Iban, the group are inviting you to the sun-soaked setting of Malta to enjoy music from headliners such as the incomparable Nigerian artist, Wizkid, and fellow talents KAYTRANADA and Rema, all of whom are set to perform at the inclusive and celebratory event between the 16th and 20th of June.

When discussing DLT: Malta, the founders explained, “We want it to be more than a festival, it will be an experience. The artists are just the cherry on top of a well-curated few days by the DLT team. We want the people attending to be engaged, entertained and feeling the DLT vibe as soon as they touch down in Malta.”

Ahead of the festival, its founders sat down with Wonderland to discuss what we can expect from the upcoming event, their dream headliners and how NYC brunches inspired their successful venture.

Head below to enjoy our interview with Michael Amusan, Ife Awosika Bosun Apata and Anthony Iban…

Hey guys, how are you today?
Feeling good! Happy to finally get the headliner announcement out. It’s been something we have been working on for a long time, so now it’s out, it’s like a weight off our shoulders!

It all began in 2016! What was the initial concept behind Days Like This? And how much has changed since then?
We lived in New York, and we went to so many amazing Brunch Day Parties in the city because brunch is very big in the USA, especially in NYC. When we came back to London, we couldn’t believe this wasn’t a thing already. So we thought, “Hey, let’s try and copy what we saw in America but create it with our own twist”. It’s definitely changed a lot as we have such high demand now in comparison to when we started we have been able to go to bigger venues and add aspects like surprise performances from UK and international artists.

What has been your favourite event that has taken place so far?
DLT In Ghana 2019 – it was a moment! It was our first independent international DLT, and it went so well and really opened our eyes to what else we could do internationally as a brand. That day everything was perfect, the weather, the atmosphere, the attendees – everybody was just on good vibes!

The line-up for DLT Malta looks insane. What can we expect from one of your biggest events to take place yet?
We want it to be more than a festival, it will be an experience. The artists are just the cherry on top of a well-curated few days by the DLT team. We want the people attending to be engaged, entertained and feeling the DLT vibe as soon as they touch down in Malta.

Have you faced any challenges along the way? If so, how were you able to overcome these?
Initially, we couldn’t get into any venues! We emailed and emailed to no avail. As we worked at investment banks at the time, we then would email venues and pretend it was for a corporate event so we could at least get a reply from some places. Then when we got there, we would be like ‘actually, it’s for our brunch/party.’ We were in the door, so they just agreed in the end lol!

What do you think DLT brings to the UK party scene that nothing else does?
I’m not sure if this can’t be found anywhere else, but at DLT we’re very much big on people being able to come and have fun without fear of judgement or anything like that. It’s a place people can come and be themselves around like-minded people who are also there to just have a great time.

You’ve been able to take your brand international! Is there a particular location you would like to expand to next?
New York! It all started there. We need that full-circle moment where we do an event in the place where we were inspired.

You just landed WizKid to headline DLT Malta. Is there a dream artist you would love to work with in the future?
We have set the bar super high with Wizkid! A dream artist would be something so out there – someone like Rihanna, Drake or Beyonce! We are such big music fans at heart and having the opportunity to partner our brand with some of the most exciting artists out right now is amazing, especially considering our first event was at Luxford Bar on Old Kent Road. We’ve come a long way!

Looking ahead, what is the next step for DLT in 2022?
Our next step is to get Malta right! We want it to be annual, so we are really doing our best to have it be the most enjoyed and talked-about experience this Summer. Our focus is always on how the audience will experience it so that’s where our heads are at right now. Once this goes well and people have a great time, we will be able to push to higher heights and bring even more fun to new and old attendees of DLT.