Dikki Du and The Zydeco Krewe

About

Dikki Du and The Zydeco Krewe

The Carrier family is as synonymous with Zydeco music as beads are with Mardi Gras. Dikki Du, born as Troy Carrier, is a prominent figure in the Zydeco music scene, known for his dynamic accordion performances and leadership of the band Dikki Du and the Zydeco Krewe. Hailing from a lineage rich in musical tradition, Dikki Du is the son of the esteemed Zydeco musician Roy Carrier and the brother of Chubby Carrier, both of whom have significantly influenced the genre. Dikki Du Carrier marks the third generation of the Carriers to keep the musical tradition alive. Zydeco is a family thing. If one plays, everyone plays!

Growing up in Church Point, Louisiana, Dikki Du was immersed in Zydeco from an early age. He picked up the washboard at nine years old, the drums at 13, and traveled the world professionally at 19. But Dikki's life changed when he decided he wanted a band of his own. “The big dream was to have your own Zydeco band,” he says. “Years ago I said, ‘Hell, I’m not gonna have a band, I don’t even know how to play accordion.’” Inspired by his family's legacy, he transitioned to the accordion, the instrument central to Zydeco music, and adopted the stage name "Dikki Du."

Dikki describes the experience of teaching himself how to play accordion. “I just stayed in a room and played the accordion for a whole year. I just went away from music because I really wanted it, but it took a whole year to learn it.” In 1995, Dikki Du formed the Zydeco Krewe, a band that blends traditional Zydeco with contemporary influences, creating a unique sound that appeals to a wide audience. The band's high-energy performances have made them a staple at festivals and music venues across the United States, contributing to the broader appreciation and evolution of Zydeco music. Although Dikki is open about the rigors that come with being a touring musician, he is quick to praise its benefits. “You meet a lot of great people, and the music is happy music. People that hear it for the first time— they don’t know exactly how to pronounce Zydeco but they will not stop dancing.”

Yet it is the future that gets Dikki the most excited. Zydeco continues to grow as a music genre, including a short-lived category in the Grammys from 2008-2011 that Dikki's brother Chubby Carrier won in 2011. “That is amazing and what I’ve wanted to see—Zydeco and the Grammys,” says Dikki.

Dikki continues to carry on the Carrier tradition that his father, the Late Great Roy Carrier started by continuing to help and encourage the next generation of musicians.

Dikki Du's influence extends beyond performance; he is dedicated to preserving the cultural heritage of Zydeco and La-La music, the latter being a precursor to modern Zydeco characterized by its Creole French lyrics and traditional melodies. Through his music and mentorship, he continues to inspire new generations of musicians, ensuring the vitality of these rich musical traditions. “The guys that had dreams of wanting to play Zydeco would come to the Offshore Lounge and study him. That’s where a lot of people got their start. My father really did a lot for the music.”

Dikki honors his late father’s memory by holding a festival for him every year between Christmas and New Year just as his father did.

Contributors: -Nikki Hedrick, 850Music and Robyne Larking, SWLGR

Born of One-Nighters

Starting out, the idea of living the road band life was the last thing on our minds. After we did all the local gigs, we realized the only way for us to evolve as a band was to hit the road. Over the next five years, we logged thousands of gigs — with the occasional festival appearance — in cities across the country. The band's time on the road proved crucial in shaping our Zydeco sound.

Looking to the Future

Dikki Du and the band are looking forward to doing what they love...playing Zydeco music for our fans around the world. For bookings or band information email Business Manager, the Queen of Zydeco, Crystee Williams at ZydecoOnTheGo@gmail.com