Three months after R&B star, Wande Coal, left Mavin Records, the label, on Friday, 14 February announced the signing of a new female act, Hadiza ‘Di’Ja’ Blell, on the label.
Sharing the good news on St. Valentine’s Day, Don Jazzy, the CEO of Mavin Records, took to the Twitter to announce the arrival of the burgeoning talent and a fresh face in the Nigerian music scene.
“Guys pls welcome #Dija @aphroDIJA to the Mavin Family. Follow her for a very interesting musical journey. #Mavin. Thanks,” Don Jazzy tweeted via his @DonJazzy Twitterhandle.
The announcement was followed by the release of the new act’s single, ‘Yaro’, her official debut single for Mavin Records and produced by Don Jazzy himself.
The single is an up-tempo celebration of love and commitment against all odds. It features an ethnic twist that infuses Hausa and Krio dialects of her Nigerian and Sierra Leonean roots. Prior to joining Mavin Records, she had released two singles, ‘Hold On’ (Badamuwa ) and ‘Dan’iska’ (Rudeboy).
P.M.NEWS learnt that the coming of Di’ja was as a result of nearly five months of meticulous planning and orchestration behind closed doors at the Mavin Records headquaters.
A release from the label stated that the eclectic sensation, who is set to be the most dynamic new act of 2014, is of Nigeria and Sierra Leone descent.
Di’ja, a multi-talented singer, song-writer, visual artist and humanitarian, grew up both in Sierra Leone and Nigeria but later moved to Canada to pursue her higher education and later bagged degrees in Biology and Psychology. But it was music that was at the centre of her heart. And it is a talent that she is now about to share across the continent and beyond.
She has already made waves in Canada.
“Di’Ja represents the new generation of Nigerian musicians. She is versatile and adaptable. No experience in the studio with her is ever the same as the last. Our fans, friends and good music lovers are in for an interesting musical journey planned ahead,” stated Don Jazzy in a statement made available to newsmen.
She will be joining an increasingly formidable team which includes Dr Sid, Tiwa Savage, D’Prince and Don Jazzy as the new frontline of Mavin 2.0.
Already, label mates Tiwa Savage and Dr Sid have both given Di’Ja a warm welcome to the Mavin Records in a different Twitter messages sent a couple of hours ago.
“My lil princess @aphrodija we are so proud of you. Welcome to the family. #wetakingover #femalepower #idja,” Tiwa tweeted via her Twitterhandle@TiwaSavage.
Dr Sid also went on Twitter @IamDrSID to welcome the new labelmate.
“Guys pls welcome #Dija to the Mavin Family. Follow her @aphroDIJA for a very interesting musical journey…I’m proud to welcome @aphroDIJA to the #MAVIN Family, she is super talented Check her new single #YARO…It’s your time! #surulere!! “@aphroDIJA: @IamDrSID thank you boss ! God Bless you,” the singer tweeted.
The new signee was nominated for the Best Urban/R&B Single at the 2009 Canadian Radio Music Awards, but won the 2008 Best New Artiste award at the Beat Music Awards which earned her a production deal with international outfit, RockSTAR Music Corporation.
She is said to be ready to prove her mettle in the fast-paced Nigerian music scene with her rich repertoire that will be ably nurtured by Don Jazzy, who has made such impact with a number of successful artistes.