There are artists who chase trends, and then there are artists who build worlds. Nigerian-British rapper DEELA belongs firmly in the latter category.
At a time when the UK and African rap scenes are becoming intertwined, DEELA has carved out a distinct identity rooted in fearless self-expression, cultural duality, and unapologetic confidence.
Her self-described “Wicked Babe Music” isn’t just a musical direction; it is a philosophy that encourages women to reject the bare minimum, be ambitious, and take up space unapologetically.
Now, with the release of her double-single “DEY PLAY!” and “Gbona” on July 22, DEELA enters what feels like a defining chapter.
The release follows a whirlwind run that has seen her support Amaarae on headline shows in London and Paris, collaborate with Little Simz on the acclaimed rapper’s surprise SUGAR GIRL EP, release the cross-continental single “Repeat” with South African producer Vanco, and continue making waves in fashion through campaigns including Nike x Slawn.
Rolling Stone Africa caught up with the Nigerian-British rapper to talk about her “Wicked Babe Music” movement, her collaborations, the legacy she hopes to build on her own terms, and why confidence remains the driving force behind everything she creates.
You’ve been building momentum across music, fashion, and live performance. How would you describe who DEELA is right now, in this exact moment?
I’m super confident and genuinely relaxed. I trust in the hard work and effort I pour into my craft.
You’ve described your sound as “Wicked Babe Music.” What does that mean beyond the name?
I was raised by very ambitious parents who taught me to have tunnel vision and walk away from the bare minimum. Wicked Babe Music essentially empowers my listeners to do the same. When women make decisions that favor them or are quick to cut someone off because they don’t adhere to their standards, we’d be called ‘rude’/’mean.’ Wicked Babe is me owning those words, saying I’m never afraid to take up space and will never make myself small for anyone. My lyrics are very much embedded in that message. Also, if you’d watch old-school Nollywood movies, the lead women were stylish boss ladies you wouldn’t dare to try. That’s where I draw my inspiration from too.
There’s a strong sense of confidence and self-possession in your work. Where does that mindset come from?
As I’ve gone through life, I’ve realized mindset is EVERYTHING. Staying in this strong, confident mindset helps me march through life honestly. Times can be tough, and most times I’m the only person who can pull myself out of that funk.
Your upcoming double-single is arriving off the back of Wicked. How does this new release expand or sharpen the sound you introduced there?
It’s definitely an extension of the World of Wicked. This time I’m turning the bass all the way up! It’s still giving self-assured and bold but with a different approach to production. I’m excited to share it with everyone.
When you’re creating, what comes first for you? The energy, the message, or the beat?
It honestly depends on a plethora of things. Sometimes I get to the studio knowing exactly what I want to create/say; sometimes I trust my producer to take charge (occasionally interjecting to dictate what I like/don’t like). I’m very easy when it comes to creating music; the only constant thing is the notebook I write in.
As a Nigerian-British artist, how do your two worlds influence your sound, if at all?
Oh, the two worlds definitely merge. I love early 2000s Afrobeats; the production was insane! I definitely draw from that era, and I rap interchangeably in English, Pidgin, and Yoruba. I love UK garage/funk, so I love having that danceable, bouncy element in any song I make.
There’s been a lot of attention around your collaboration with Little Simz, especially after it was teased at Coachella. How did that collaboration come about?
Loveee Little Simz! I was just watching TV one late weekday, and I remember getting a DM from her, a simple ‘Hey!’. I was astounded, genuinely confused about what was happening. We spoke on the phone the next day and had a studio session later in the afternoon. Simz and Jakwob (her producer) were so, so lovely, and it was such a fostering environment that all my nerves vanished instantly. It was such a fun session, and I’m so happy I’m a part of her incredible discography.
What can listeners expect from that track and how does it reflect where you are creatively right now?
It’s an uplifting track! Super inspirational and NOT corny. We’re both British-Nigerian, and it’s very true to who we are—the lyrics, the bounce. Super excited for everyone to hear it. The track is definitely a bit of me; the production immediately caught my ears, and it lives in the world of Wicked.
When a moment like that goes public before release, does it change how you feel about the song or how you move around it?
Nope! I loved it then, and I love it now.
You supported Amaarae on her Paris and London headline shows. What have you learned from being on stage in those spaces?
People feed off energy. If I’m having a great time on stage, so would everyone else. Also, crowd interaction is key to a great performance.
How does your energy shift between recording in the studio and performing live?
In the studio, I’ve got my thinking cap on to the max. Trying out different flows and finding the best way to attack the beat. When I’m on stage, I’m still in game mode but definitely more loose. My cheeky aura remains the same.
What do you want someone who sees you live for the first time to walk away with?
I want them to leave hyped up and excited to delve into my discography.
You’ve also stepped into fashion with the Nike x Slawn campaign for the Nigeria World Cup. How important is fashion to your identity as an artist?
I’m so honored to have been a part of the campaign. Fashion is literally an extension of my being. I’m a multifaceted person, so I never shy away from trying new things, which is parallel to the music I make.
Do you see style as an extension of your music or a separate form of expression?
For sure, some of my songs are vulnerable or super party-girl. It wouldn’t make sense to me to not dress according to what I’m trying to convey. For example, colors are linked to mood, so I feel like style adds depth to the story I’m trying to tell.
Right now, it feels like African artists are influencing global aesthetics more than ever. How do you see yourself within that shift?
We Africans are sooo cool! It’s great to see people appreciating our culture, and I’m doing my part by proudly repping my home country, Nigeria. Wicked Babe Music is cutting through for sure. I hope I’m influencing babes worldwide to stand tall in confidence and to have fun!
There’s a lot of pressure on emerging artists to go viral quickly. How do you stay grounded in your own path?
Virality isn’t the key to a successful career. I take things day by day; I’m not in a race with anyone. Staying grounded for me is simply staying on top of my to-do lists, praying that hard work pays off, and ensuring I’m creating more and more every day. That’s the only way I can succeed.
What does success look like to you at this stage especially with so many moving parts happening at once?
Success to me is having a growing present community. Having my people show up at my events, listening parties, release days, and so on.
With the double-single, the collaboration, and the performances all landing around the same time. What kind of phase are you entering as an artist?
I’m fully stepping into my bag! Gone are the days I’d feel shy posting back to back; I’m trying to be as visible as possible, and that’s what I’m going to do.
What do you feel people still don’t fully understand about you or your music yet?
People need to know that me being a wicked babe doesn’t mean that I’m not soft too or that I hate men (within reason) LOL.
If someone is discovering DEELA for the first time this year, what’s the one thing you want them to take away?
People remember how you make them feel over what you say. I want them to feel assured.
Listen to “DEY PLAY!” and “Gbona” HERE
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