There’s something unforgettable about discovering an artist — someone whose sound pulls you in before you even realize it.
The first time I came across Dela, I was curating a playlist, Afro Up Next, a lineup of talented artists growing their discography one single at a time. That’s where I found “Solomon”, and it was an instant favorite.
The playful yet firm delivery in each line, paired with the effortless rhythm that carries the track, makes it a true gem in Dela’s catalog. At the time, it was her only release, with just a few thousand views. Now, she’s added more tracks and grown into one of the Afrobeats artists to watch.
Her well-curated socials make her journey even more fun to document — an artist who knows exactly who she is, where she’s going, and how she wants to sound getting there.
Today, I sat down with Dela to talk about the music, identity, early inspirations, and the major statement she wants to make with her sound.
“Music is always going to be a means to express my true self.”
“As a kid, I was really expressive, with little to no fear of anything, and I carried that with me into my career as a musician, songwriter, and entertainer,” Dela tells me with a laugh. “I might get a little shy, but music is always going to be a means to express my true self; it’s my safe haven.”
Recently, Dela launched an intimate WhatsApp community. For Dela, it was more than a marketing move — it was personal.
“I understand the importance of community in everything,” she says. “It’s cool to have music listeners, but having people who ride for you energetically? Nothing beats that. They will always keep you steady.”
On the Making of Solomon and Watch Over Me
If you’ve ever wondered how your favorite songs were recorded, sometimes it’s actually not that deep.
“I was in the loo, rhyming and singing like my life depended on it,” she laughs. “It took me a few minutes to get the first verse, but the chorus was really easy. I had the melody prior, so putting words to it was easier. Added the second verse in the studio, and the rest is history.”
When I ask if her song ‘Watch Over Me’ came from a real-life romance — and if we should actually watch over her.
“Oh yes! Actually, Watch Over Me”. “It wasn’t exactly from a real experience, but I was in a situation where I sat to evaluate how whole my feelings get when it involves romance. Now, I’m no hopeless romantic, but I don’t hold back. So yes, Watch Over Me!”
Fashion, Steeze, and African Women
Dela’s sense of style is as intentional as her sound. So, what inspires her?
“I’ve loved fashion for as long as I can recall,” she says. “I’m the kind of kid who would go to the fashion segment of newspapers and magazines. And my biggest influence is Beyoncé. Loveeeee Pinterest too! The African women in my life have steeze for days; they inspired me to look good and encouraged my love for fashion as well.”
Manifesting Dream Collaborations
When it comes to artists she dreams of working with, Dela doesn’t hold back.
“OMG, I have so many!!!! Kendrick Lamar, Beyoncé, Lagbaja, Doechii,” she lists excitedly. “This is me keeping the list short. I pray I work with all my icons.”
Why these artists?
“Lagbaja raised me. My mom would play his music to call me home when it was time to leave the playground,” she recalls. “He’s the grandfather of fusion; his musical knowledge is incredible—so much that, years later, I still pick up new things in his songs.
“Kendrick is amusing to listen to; I know where I was when I first heard Kendrick. Working with him would be a dream come true.
“Beyoncé is the most iconic person ever! She can do anything and do it the Beyoncé way. I love that a lot. I hate being underestimated, and I’ve learnt from her that you can do anything—just set your mind to it.
“Seeing Doechii win gave me a sense of hope. I remember finding her on YouTube years ago and putting my friends on her music and content. Have you seen her on stage? Or listened to her barssss?”
For the dreamers
Before we wrap, I ask what message she hopes her listeners take from her music. Her voice softens.
“You can be anything. You can do anything. Dream really big and wide! I will take over the world one song at a time, so help me God.”
Talent, authenticity, charisma, style and that IT factor you can’t just fake are the building blocks of a pop star and Dela carries them all with grace. Whether she’s dropping a new single, journaling on substack, or curating her next look, watching her journey feels like witnessing the start of a success story of a young female artist, at this point, Afrobeats knows all too well.
