Hadiza Blell, better known by her stage name Di'Ja, is a Nigerian singer-songwriter. She was 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 and education

Di'Ja has lived in Nigeria, Sierra Leone, the United States and Canada. Her mother, Asma'u Blell is from Nigeria and her father, Amb Joseph Blell is from Sierra Leone.

Di'Ja's received a joint degree in biology and psychology.

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 14 February 2014, Di'Ja signed a record deal with Don Jazzy's Mavin Records. "Yaro", her first official single under the label was also released that same day. 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. She was also featured on "Arise", alongside Don Jazzy and Reekado Banks. On 15 December 2017, Di'Ja released her extended play Aphrodija, which also features guest vocals from Tiwa Savage and Reekado Banks.

She dropped a hit track titled "One Talk" at the Calabar edition of the Mega Music Nationwide Tour organized by Globacom Telecommunication Company. in May 2017.

Awards and nominations

YearEventPrizeRecipientResultRef
2014Nigeria Entertainment AwardsMost Promising Act to WatchHerselfNominated
2009Canadian Radio Music AwardsBest Urban/R&B SingleRock steadyNominated
2008Beat Music AwardsBest New ArtistHerselfWon

Discography

Singles

YearTitleAlbum
2008"Rock Steady"Non-album single
2012"How Can We Be Friends"
2013"Dan'Iska (Rudebwoy)"
"Hold On (Ba Damuwa)"
2014"Yaro"
"Dorobucci" (with Don Jazzy, Tiwa Savage, Dr SID, D'Prince, Reekado Banks, and Korede Bello)
"Awww"
"Adaobi" (with Reekado Banks, Korede Bello, and Don Jazzy)
2015"Looku Looku"
2016"Take Kiss"
2017"Air"
2019“Omotena”"Di’Ja EP"
2024''Soyaya''Single

Videography

YearTitleAlbumDirectorRef
2016"Take Kiss"Non-album singleAdasa Cookey
2016"Falling for You"Unlimited L.A
2014"Aww"Unlimited L.A

External links