DEELA is the alté poster girl. The British-Nigerian rapper grew up in Lagos before moving to the UK. She fuses dreamy nostalgia with a contemporary edge, drawing inspiration from early 2000-2010s Nigerian Afrobeats and Hip-Hop/Rap.
The rising star’s newest EP ‘Good Girl No Dey Pay’, in collaboration with alté pioneer producer Genio Bambino, has been a highly anticipated project in the alté scene. With her sultry and versatile voice effortlessly shifts between playful and powerful, while her aesthetic channels the colourful early 2000s Nollywood era. With her smooth vocals, an unapologetic delivery and assertive flair, DEELA captivate listeners with ease. Kicking off her tracks with her signature phrase, “It’s DEELA bitch,” she showcases a unique sound with each song, instilling confidence and energy in her listeners.
DEELA has received major co-signs from artists like Baby Keem and Isaiah Rashad. She has collaborated with notable acts, including Flo Milli on the remix of her viral hit "Take It Up," and Nigerian star Teni on "Patience Ozokwor." Additionally, she was featured on Coco & Clair Clair's debut album with the song "The Hills," later remixed by George Daniel of The 1975. Recognized by the Recording Academy as one of the "Top 10 African Rappers", she has also been highlighted in CLASH and HUNGER magazines, performed at Lagos’ Boiler Room, and supported Zack Fox on his European tour. With such collaborations early in her career, it’s clear that her sound speaks for itself.
