When Dela (Full name: Adeolayemi Oluwatosin Olabiran) professionally stepped into the music industry in December 2022, she had no idea that a simple feature on the EP “There are no rules to this” by Emaxee would spark a creative fire she couldn’t ignore. Less than a year later, the Lagos-based artist released her debut two-pack single, an eponymous drop “Dela” with the singles “Solomon” and “Save me”, a body of work that exceeded her expectations and introduced her to audiences across Nigeria and beyond.
“I have passion for music and performing arts, but music is more than just passion,” she says. “It’s a lifestyle.”
For Dela, music isn’t just something she does. It’s who she is.
Finding her voice in fusion
Dela’s sound is hard to box in. Influenced by the likes of Beyoncé, Kendrick Lamar, Jon Bellion, and Rema, her music fuses R&B, Afrobeats, pop, and even touches of rap. That fusion is stitched together by her voice – a voice that acts as the “binding glue” across styles.
“My music is a fusion of genres, all of my musical influences intertwined with my voice,” she explains. “That’s what makes my contribution unique.”
Her creative process is spontaneous yet intentional. “It’s not that interesting on paper,” she jokes. “I hear a beat and go in my zone, or I have an idea and collaborate with my producer to bring it to life.”
A breakout moment with Solomon
The release of her song “Solomon” off the 2-pack “Dela” in 2023 marked more than a career milestone. It was a breakthrough moment – both musically and personally.
One unexpected outcome of the project’s buzz was that it landed her on the radar of MBA For Africa, expanding her reach and networks across the continent.
A year after the release of “Dela”, Dela followed up with an alternative version of “Solomon” to cap up the era.
In November 2024, Dela put out her debut 7-track EP MIOSIS. An even better introduction to the world of Dela.
“I’m so proud of that body of work. I worked so hard, and I’m glad it’s out there,” Dela says. “I know it hasn’t scratched the surface yet, but it’s going to do big things for me.”
What’s next: acoustic drops and world domination
Dela isn’t slowing down. She’s gearing up to release acoustic versions of her EP tracks – a new dimension of her artistry that fans can expect very soon.
“New Dela!!! Omg, it’s different,” she says. “The acoustic versions of my songs from Miosis drop real soon, and the new music is even closer than expected. I really can’t wait to see the world receive it.”
Her long-term vision is crystal clear: “World domination.”
Grounded in evolution
Though bold and confident onstage, Dela describes herself as an introvert who thrives in clear, creative environments and values collaborators who allow her to be her true self while pushing her to improve.
When asked what advice she’d give to other emerging artists, she offers this:
“Pray, have faith, and keep working hard and smart. Don’t be afraid of evolution.”
Whether through heartfelt lyrics or bold experimentation, one thing is clear. Dela’s mission is to take over the world one song at a time.
You can connect with Dela and explore her music through the following platforms:
Instagram: @badgirldela
X (formerly Twitter): @badgirldela
Listen to her EP Miosis: Dela’s Music Link
YouTube: @badgirldela
