The music industry requires artists to balance creative expression with strategic planning. DEELA approaches this dual requirement by applying analytical methods learned during her biomedical science studies. She released her mixtape Wicked last year. The project was recorded in Lagos alongside producers Genio Bambino and Black Culture. The sessions focused on consistency and structured daily output. Today, the Nigerian-British rapper releases a new double single featuring the tracks DEY PLAY! and Gbona. The release reinforces her unbothered energy and inner fire. When you analyze her career trajectory, you notice a clear focus on independence. You will find her responses reflect a strict studio routine. We present a direct conversation outlining her transition from Nigeria to the UK, her specific studio requirements, and her perspective on maintaining autonomy in contemporary music.
You relocated from Lagos to England at age thirteen to attend an all-girls Catholic school. How did experiencing this cultural shift build the confidence you bring to your lyrics today?
Moving proved a huge culture shock for me. My fellow Nigerians at the school always reminded me who I was and preserved a sense of community. This helped me maintain confidence in myself.
Your musical foundation features a contrast between your mother playing Anita Baker and your father listening to Jay-Z. What is the process of blending emotive balladry with hard-edged rap to define your sound?
Every time I step into the studio, I am trying to create with no boundaries. I am protective of sharing my true emotions, but I have seen how doing so directly stunts my songwriting process. My process generally involves journaling and a lot of voice note recordings I refer to when I get to the studio.
You completed a Biomedical Science degree at the University of Manchester and dedicated your research to sickle cell disease. How does university research influence your independent approach to the music business today?
I am always researching. Watching performers I like and taking notes, studying the people before me and how they stayed relevant, new music globally, and what makes their production interesting. The research never stops, to learn something new every day is the goal.
You recorded your 2025 project Wicked in Lagos with producers like Genio Bambino and Black Culture. What was your daily routine during these writing camps and how did working in Nigeria affect your creative choices?
There is truly no place like home. Being in Lagos makes me feel more at ease because most of my immediate family lives there. Every day was a different vibe entirely. I knew the energy I wanted Wicked to have with reference tracks. The general rule every day was to have a hook and a verse for whatever beat we made from scratch. Some things get me in the zone, and this includes having loads of fruits and snacks as I am unable to make music hangry, lighting a scented candle to get me in the mood, and journaling before setting foot in the studio to let go of any bad chakra.
You built your career independently by learning the mechanics of the music industry. What advice do you have for other artists who want to build an audience without relying on record labels?
I would say study the game, have influences, but always make sure what you are giving is true to you. Also, do not focus on the numbers or other people, building takes time, especially on your own.
Dazed and Clash recognized you as an artist to watch in 2026. What are your next steps beyond your collaborations with Little Simz and DJ Vanco and what themes do you plan to address in your future releases?
I am going to be dropping more music. I love rapping over interesting beats combining genres together like electronic and rap or even afro-house and afro-electronic. Expect me to explore themes of love and vulnerability, fully stepping into my womanhood and what this means to me.
Lorenzo de' Nobili
Lorenzo de’ Nobili is a sound designer and composer driven by a deep passion for urban culture and its evolving aesthetics. His work explores the intersection of music, fashion and sport, blending contemporary sounds with strong visual identities. Alongside his research in urban culture, he collaborates with contemporary dance artists, creating immersive sonic experiences that connect movement, space and emotion.
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