The rhythm, the beat of Di’ja, Patoranking

Di’ja

HADIZA Blell, popularly known as Di’Ja, is a Sierra Leonean–Nigerian artist. The lady, whose mother is from Northern Nigeria and father from Sierra Leone, apart from being a songwriter and recording artist, is a visual artist and fashion designer. 

   At a young age, Di’Ja committed herself to academics, earning double degrees in Biology and Psychology. After earning the aforementioned degrees, Di’Ja became passionate about music, art and philosophy. 

  Her musical career started in 2008. However, the turning point was in 2013, when she returned to Nigeria, and subsequently, signed a recording deal with Nigerian record producer Don Jazzy. On February 14, 2014, Di’Ja released her first official single under Mavin Records. And by May of same year, she was featured in the monster hit, Dorobucci, alongside label mates Don Jazzy, Dr SID, Tiwa Savage, D’Prince, Korede Bello and Reekado Banks. As at June 21, 2014, Dorobucci had received over 12 million downloads from date of release. She talks more about her growing up, career and love life. 

Tell us about yourself, growing up, family background, education and all?

  My growing up was very colourful and jam-packed with a whole lot of adults speaking different languages. My family background goes back many centuries. We may end up writing a book… if we begin now.

Please fill us in on your rise to fame and how did it all start?

  I haven’t risen to “fame”. I still have a lot of songs you haven’t heard yet. I still have a lot to accomplish. The increased love from people listening to my music has made me want to give more. It has been a long time coming I must say. 
Which of your many jobs excite you the most?

  The one I’m doing right now — The job of living my dreams.

What other areas of your career are you looking to explore?

  I want to perfect the area I am in right now. I want to first build my craft to a place where it feeds itself before I begin to explore in other areas. 
Are you in a relationship?

   No.
Any advice when choosing Mr. Right?

  Let Mr. Right choose you. If you give out positive vibes from within, everything right comes to you.

What’s your take on fashion and the industry?

  I think they fit each other well. Fashion is growing. I mean, everywhere I look, and I see stylish people. Everyone is creating his or her own identity.
What does love mean to you?

  Love is indescribable. For some, it is a chemical imbalance, while with others; it is the foundation of life. Now, unconditional love to me means everything. It is that place where fantasy and reality meet. That place where you have absolutely no ego and no regrets, if it isn’t given back. 

Tell us about some of your new projects for 2015

  2015 is already turning great. I’m eternally grateful to all the people the Almighty is using as positive instruments in my life. We have a few things to share with the world. I can’t wait for you guys to hear.
What’s your style preference?

   Anything comfortable.

Do you have a style icon?

  My Mum. She knows how to put things together. Something I didn’t inherit from her actually. In addition to the many stylish artists I look up to, Instagram has some fashion stars as well. 

Patoranking 

PATRICK Nnaemeka Okorie, better known as Patoranking, is a Nigerian reggae–dancehall singer and songwriter. Patoranking, who is a native of Ebonyi State, started his musical career doing underground collaborations with artists such as X-Project, Konga, Slam and Reggie Rockstone. 

   In February 2014, he signed a record deal with Foston Musik and released Girlie O, a single that put him in the limelight. Recently, on February 9 to be precise, Patoranking, who announced via Instagram that he had signed a distribution deal with VP Records, said a Jamaican artist, whom he met at Alpha Beach in Lagos, gave him his stage name. The song literally translates to ‘God’s Blessings’ and features vocals from Timaya. Patoranking described the song as a summary of his life as a musician. He also said that the song opened doors for him in terms of building a fan base and working with established musician. 

He takes us through his life and being the hottest dancehall artiste around now.

Tell us about yourself, growing up, family background, education and all?

   My life is all about my music for now. I’m just getting started, so, 155 per cent of my time and energy go into my music and making my brand as strong as possible. Maybe, in the future, I might pursue other business ventures, but whatever it is, it will always be connected to my music. 

Your rise to fame, how did it all start?

  Success didn’t come overnight like many may think. I’ve been recording and working underground for many years to get to this point. Before Alubarika, there were literally hundreds of collabos recorded in hopes that one would be ‘the big hit’ every artist is waiting for. At that point, I was working hard. In 2013, after changing my approach, the outcome was my first major hit, Alubarika. After that, the rest is history. 

Which of your many jobs excite you the most?

  To be honest, every work I put out is equally exciting. I’m experimenting with my music and pushing my own limits. Music is meant to tell the stories of life, the emotions‎ and everything one goes through. Just like everyone that listens to different music when they are in different moods, we artists create different sounds. 

What other areas of your career are you looking to explore?

  There are some projects I will be launching this year, so, everyone should just watch out for them. 

Tell us about your new song (name and what’s it about).

  My newest release is called Daniella Whine. It’s a proper dancehall tune that has everyone whining and grinding from the moment the beat drops, so, make sure you add to your playlist for working out, partying, after lunch break at the office, or when you have your private parties.

Are you in a relationship?

  Yes, I am, actually. I’m happily married to ‎the Girlie O’s, the Daniella’s that keep whining, and all the gals dem. 

Any advice when choosing the Miss Right?

  My advice for choosing Miss Right would be to look for someone that has a vision, ambition, and someone that is searching for meaning. If you look for meaning, you will always find money. But if you look for money, you will never find meaning. 

What’s your take on fashion and the industry?

  Fashion is connected to music. They feed each other. Fashion is an industry that will always continue to grow and change as people’s taste changes and evolve. It’s a constantly changing industry just like music, and who knows, you may see Patoranking on the runway one day. 

What does Love mean to you?

  It means sacrifice. To be in love, one must be willing to sacrifice certain things to make the other person happy. Love is also, understanding and not stubborn. 

Tell about some of your new projects for 2015?

  I’ve recently signed an international deal with VP Records, the largest reggae and dancehall imprint in the world. With this partnership, I will be able to push my music and African music into a new stratosphere. There’s not much more to say than that you will hear even greater music from me this year. 

What’s your style preference?

  I don’t have a particular style preference actually, everything depends on my mood. Sometimes, I want to feel and look comfortable. Other times, I want to look cool for the red carpet.