Hadiza Blell, better known by her stage name Di’Ja, is a Sierra Leonean Nigeriansinger, visual artist 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]

Di’Ja has lived in Nigeria, Sierra Leone, theUnited States and Canada. Her mother is from Northern Nigeria and her father is fromSierra 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]

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, 2014, 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 infusesHausa 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 and Reekado 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]

|2015 |Headies award |Best alternative song |herself |style=”background: #FDD; color: black; vertical-align: middle; text-align: center; ” class=”no table-no2″|Nominated