Khadijah Blell

Biography

Hadiza Blell (born 14 August 1984), known professionally as Di'Ja, is a Nigerian singer and songwriter. In 2009, she released her first single "Rock Steady", which was nominated for Best Urban/R&B Single at the 2009 Canadian Radio Music Awards. She also won the Best New Artist award at the 2008 Beat Music Awards. In 2014, she signed with Mavin Records.

Early life and education

Di'Ja has lived in Nigeria, Sierra Leone, the United States and Canada. Her mother, Asma'u Blell is Nigerian, while her father, Joseph Blell is Sierra Leonean.
Di'Ja earned a joint degree in biology and psychology.

Career

Di'Ja began her music career in 2008. In 2012, she released several singles, including "Dan'Iska (Rudebwoy)", "Hold On (Ba Damuwa)" and "How Can We Be Friends". On 14 February 2014, Di'Ja signed a record deal with Don Jazzy's Mavin Records. "Yaro", her first official single under the label was released the same day. It infuses Hausa and Krio dialects in honour of her Nigerian and Sierra Leonean heritage.
In May 2014, Di'Ja was featured on "Dorobucci" alongside labelmates Don Jazzy, Dr Sid, Tiwa Savage, D'Prince, Korede Bello and Reekado Banks. She was also featured on "Arise", alongside Don Jazzy and Reekado Banks. On 15 December 2017, Di'Ja released her extended play Aphrodija, featuring guest appearances from Tiwa Savage and Reekado Banks.
In May 2017, she performed the song "One Talk" at the Calabar edition of the Mega Music Nationwide Tour organised by Globacom Telecommunication Company.