BLACK SOCIAL HISTORY
Di'Ja
| Di'Ja | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Background information | |
| Birth name | Hadiza Blell |
| Genres | |
| Occupation(s) |
|
| Years active | 2008–present |
| Labels | Mavin Records |
| Associated acts | |
Hadiza Blell, better known by her stage name Di'Ja, is a Sierra Leonean-Nigerian singer, visual artist, fashion designer and songwriter. She is currently signed to Mavin Records. In 2009, she released her first single "Rock Steady" which was nominated for Best Urban/R&B Single at the 2009 Canadian Radio Music Awards. Moreover, she won the Best New Artist award at the 2008 Beat Music Awards.[1][2]
Early life
Di'Ja has lived in Nigeria, Sierra Leone, the United States and Canada. Her mother is from Northern Nigeria and her father is from Sierra Leone. At a young age, Di'Ja committed herself to academia and earned a double degree in Biology and Psychology. After earning the aforementioned degrees, Di'Ja became passionate about music, art and philosophy.[3]
Music career
Her music career started in 2008.[4] In 2012, Di'Ja released several singles including "Dan'Iska (Rudebwoy)", "Hold On (Ba Damuwa)" and "How Can We Be Friends".[5] On February 14, 2015, Don Jazzy announced the addition of Di'Ja to Mavin Records.[3] Her first official single under Mavin Records was also released on February 14, 2014. The song, which is titled "Yaro", is an up-tempo celebration of love and commitment against all odds. It infuses Hausa and Krio dialects in honour of her Nigerian and Sierra Leonean roots.[6]
In May 2014, Di'Ja was featured on "Dorobucci" alongside label mates Don Jazzy, Dr SID, Tiwa Savage, D'Prince, Korede Bello andReekado Banks.[7] In May 2014, an animated video was released for "Dorobucci".[8] As of 21 June 2014, "Dorobucci" has received over 12 million downloads since its release.[9]Di'Ja was featured on "Arise" alongside Don Jazzy and Reekado Banks.[10]
Awards and nominations
| Year | Event | Prize | Recipient | Result | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | Nigeria Entertainment Awards | Most Promising Act to Watch | Herself | Nominated | [11] |
| 2009 | Canadian Radio Music Awards | Best Urban/R&B Single | Nominated | [1][2] | |
| 2008 | Beat Music Awards | Best New Artist | Herself | Won |
Discography
Singles
| Year | Title | Album |
|---|---|---|
| 2008 | "Rock Steady" | Non-album single |
| 2012 | "How Can We Be Friends" | |
| 2013 | "Dan'Iska (Rudebwoy)" | |
| "Hold On (Ba Damuwa)" | ||
| 2014 | "Yaro" | |
| "Dorobucci"[12] (with Don Jazzy, Tiwa Savage, Dr SID, D'Prince, Reekado Banks, and Korede Bello) | TBA | |
| "Adaobi"[13] (with Reekado Banks, Korede Bello, and Don Jazzy) | ||
| 2015 | "Looku Looku" |
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