Celebrating The Mavins Musical Bird, Di’Ja
Hadiza Blell, better known by her stage name Di’Ja, is a Nigerian singer 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.
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. Di’Ja’s commitment to school earned her a joint degree in Biology and Psychology. After earning the aforementioned degree, Di’Ja found passion in music, art and philosophy.
Music career
Her music career started in 2008. In 2012, Di’Ja released several singles, including “Dan’Iska (Rudebwoy)”, “Hold On (Ba Damuwa)” and “How Can We Be Friends”. On February 14, 2014, Don Jazzy announced the addition of Di’Ja to Mavin Records. Her first official single under Mavin Records was also released that same day. Titled “Yaro”, it is an up-tempo celebration of love and commitment against all odds. Moreover, it infuses Hausa and Krio dialects in honour of her Nigerian and Sierra Leonean roots.
In May 2014, Di’Ja was featured on “Dorobucci” alongside label mates Don Jazzy, Dr SID, Tiwa Savage, D’Prince, Korede Bello and Reekado Banks. Di’Ja was featured on “Arise” alongside Don Jazzy and Reekado Banks. On December 15, 2017, Dija released an extended play, Aphrodija, which also features Tiwa Savage and Reekado Banks.