Who is Di’ja?
Nigerian vocalist Di’Ja (born Hadiza Salma Blell on 14 August 1989; age 34) rose to prominence after appearing on the 2014 hit “Dorobucci” and signing with Mavin Records.
Although the Nigerian music industry is still predominantly male-dominated, a small number of female musicians are generating positive energy and establishing themselves as the finest. Di’Ja, an acronym representing Aphrodija, is among these emerging female talents.
Her extraordinary beauty and extraordinary voice played a pivotal role in the singer’s meteoric ascent to fame. Di’Ja is renowned for her aptitudes as a fashion designer, humanitarian, composer, and visual artist, in addition to her prowess in the music industry.
Di’ja’s profile
- Full Name: Hadiza Salma Blell
- Nationality: Sierra Leonean-Nigerian
- Age: 34 Years Old
- Profession: Musician
- Record Label: Mavin Records
- Marital Status: Married
- Children: 3
Di’Ja was born to a father from Sierra Leone and a mother from Nigeria
Hadiza Salma Blell, who was born on August 14, 1989, is the progeny of Asma’u Blell, an indigenous of Kaduna State who entered into matrimony with a man from Sierra Leone.
Amb. Joseph Blell, the father of Di’Ja, is renowned for his tenures as Sierra Leone’s Deputy Minister of Defense from 2002 to 2007 and as High Commissioner to Nigeria from 1993 to 2002. Because of his occupation, Di’Ja was unable to spend her childhood with her father.
However, she was brought up in the maternal household in Kaduna, her birthplace.
Although little is known about the singer’s mother and other relatives, her father was the Team Manager of the Leone Stars National Football Team, which qualified for the 1994 African Cup of Nations in Tunisia.
Prior to assuming the role of High Commissioner, he served as the Nigerian Regional Director for the Canadian University Service Overseas (CUSO) to Nigerians, with establishments in Kano and subsequently Kaduna, both located in Northern Nigeria.
Although the number of siblings Di’Ja has is unknown, her brother and childhood closest friend are known to us. The music diva attributes her good fortune and vibrant youth to the nurturing environment provided by her parents.
Regarding her academic heritage, the young vocalist concluded her secondary school years in Kaduna prior to making the decision to pursue her tertiary education in Canada. In the end, she obtained a joint degree in the fields of biology and psychology.
The Beginnings of Di’Ja’s Musical Journey
A portion of Di’ja’s enthusiasm for music stemmed from her parents’ assortment of vintage CDs. Following her graduation, she cultivated a profound fascination with art, philosophy, and music, which in turn motivated her to seriously consider pursuing a career in music.
Her vocation as a professional musician commenced when an acquaintance named Aman Manhas enrolled her in the Beat Music Awards in Canada, a singing competition.
At the competition, which took place in 2008, the juvenile singer was one of more than two hundred competitors. Her participation in the competition instilled in her the self-assurance necessary to pursue a vocation in music with significantly greater commitment.
She received the prestigious Best New Artist award, which significantly advanced her career in Canada at the time.
Di’ja, having obtained the necessary level of recognition, issued her debut single, entitled “Rock steady,” in 2009. It was fortunate enough to receive a nomination at the 2009 Canadian Radio Music Awards for Best Urban/R&B Single.
She released a number of singles in 2012, including “How Can We Be Friends,” “Dan’Iska (Rudebwoy),” and “Hold On (Ba Damuwa).” During her time in Canada, she released these songs, which demonstrated her aptitude to the small following she had at the time.
Fame ensued following her signing with Mavin Records
Di’ja co-signees of Mavin Records
By means of her manager, Di’ja obtained the opportunity to meet Don Jazzy. She claims she had no intention of encountering the Nigerian maestro producer when he entered the recording studio as she was performing her songs for a few of the other men.
Don Jazzy, much to her astonishment, ultimately developed feelings for two of the tracks she performed and decided to employ her as an understudy.
Di’ja was technically under contemplation to become a member of Mavin Records for approximately eight months. The remaining members of his label, including Tiwa Savage, Dr. Sid, and D’Prince, were also acquainted with her.
The group collaborated and composed music as a means of observing their mutual rapport. Don Jazzy eventually verified that she had been signed to his record label.
The first official single by Di’ja under Mavin was released immediately. The composition entitled “Yaro” is a spirited ode to love and dedication in the face of adversity. Hausa and Krio dialects are incorporated as a tribute to the speaker’s Nigerian and Sierra Leonean heritage…
Di’Ja’s musical style is R&B with a Reggae and Pop influence. Don Jazzy characterized her on the day she was formally signed to Mavin as an embodiment of the next generation of Nigerian musicians, adding that her adaptability and versatility render her an intriguing persona and a delight to associate with.
Di’Ja, along with label partners Don Jazzy, Dr. Sid, Tiwa Savage, D’Prince, Korede Bello, and Reekado Banks, appeared on “Dorobucci” in May 2014. As of July 21, 2014, the YouTube channel for “Dorobucci” has amassed more than 42 million views. It is possible that the immensely popular song contributed to Di’Ja’s increased visibility.
2014 saw Di’Ja release her biggest hits
2014 was a monumental year for young Di’Ja, whose signing to Mavin Records brought her one step closer to becoming a music superstar in an astonishingly brief period of time. “Aww” was her most successful single of the year, which she managed to complete despite the year’s chaotic schedule.
Released in December 2014, the song was met with widespread acclaim among hip-hop enthusiasts in Nigeria and throughout Africa. The number-one single on numerous rankings contributed to her growing fan base.
The video garnered significant attention on YouTube, to the point where it was ranked among the most popular singles of 2015.
Since then, Di’Ja has undertaken numerous excursions. The extended drama Aphrodija was published by her on December 15, 2017.
Featured on the seven-track album were Tiwa Savage and Reekado Banks on guest vocals. Despite being her initial body of work since becoming a member of the Mavin team, the initiative achieved phenomenal success.
She made her return in 2019 with a four-track extended play (EP) titled D’ja EP. As a result of her ardor and devotion to the arts, she is currently regarded as one of the preeminent contemporary female vocalists.
Di’ja’s Songs
- Rock Steady – 2008
- How can we be friends – 2012
- Dan’Isaka(Rudebwoy) – 2012
- Hold on (Ba Damuwa) – 2013
- Yaro – 2013
- Dorobucci – 2013
- Awww – 2014
- Adaobi – 2014
- Looku Looku – 2015
- Take kiss – 2016
- Sowemo – 2016
- Falling for you – 2016
- Air – 2017
- Omotena – 2019
- Wuta – 2019
- Baby – 2019
- Teamo – 2019
Awards and Nominations
Di’Ja has received several nominations for awards and has been honored with a few victories. She was the recipient of the Beat Music Award for Best New Artist in 2008. In the same year, her single “Rock Steady” earned her a nomination for the Canadian Music Radio Award for Best Urban R&B Single.
In the meantime, her most recent award nomination was for the Most Promising Act to Watch category at the Nigerian Entertainment Awards in 2014. Ayoola Ogundeyi Jr., more commonly referred to as Ayo Jay, a Nigerian vocalist and songwriter of English descent, triumphed over her.
Social media
Di’ja is among the most followed and famous celebrity on social media in Nigeria. She has more than 1.2 million Instagram followers.
- Instagram: @aphrodija
Di’ja’s Private life
Rotimi, the spouse of Di’ja, and she entered into matrimony in 2015 and remain so at present.
They jointly gave birth to a son, and she subsequently gave birth to a second daughter.
Truly, she could be regarded as a Muslim. In addition, she has an older sibling, whom she describes as her closest companion.
Di’ja’s Net Worth
Di’ja, a highly skilled Nigerian musician and composer, has accumulated an approximate net worth of $500,000.