You know she’s a special talent when the label head decides to break the protocol and punctuate the testosterone-laden environment of the label with a female presence. 2020 was the year and some time in the middle of it, Davido announced he was looking to sign a woman onto his talented label roster. No one really knows what the selection process was like – random selection or a detailed scrutiny of many upcoming female acts – but by late 2020 we had the official announcement and unveiling of DMW’s first lady. And on the basis of her short and emphatic journey 9 months later, no one can fault the selection process that unearthed Abdulsalam Suliyat Modasola.
Known more popular by the shortened version of her first name, Liya is a massive talent who already boasts of a distinct style that is fast setting her apart from her counterparts, both male and female. Still only 22 years of age, she is very much poised to do big things. She hails from Osun, was born and bred in Lagos, and journeyed up north to study Linguistics/Yoruba at the University of Ilorin. That pattern shows a woman deeply rooted in her Yoruba origins, a factor that weighs heavy on her lyricism which often features deep Yoruba adages. Her style seems to be mash of many African females that reigned before her; she definitely listened to a lot of Angelique Kidjo growing up and influences of Niniola and Tiwa Savage are there to be heard. Yet, there’s no mistaking Liya for any of them, she’s very much in her own elements.
Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity, they say, and that was certainly the case in her story. Before the good people of DMW took her under their wings, she was already putting in the work. She already had singles like “Be My Vibe”, “Abedi Pele”, and “Trust Issues” to her name. If you have any questions about the quality of those songs, remember they appealed enough to Davido to hand her a contract. “Melo” was the first single she put out after putting pen to paper in December 2020, and after a somewhat inactive period she released her debut EP in August 2021 to the listening ears of Africa and beyond.
Titled “Alari”, the 6-track project is a brilliant introduction in many ways. Rich in lyrical content, positively heavy on autotuned vocals, and generous in delivery of good vibes, “Alari” might just be an Afro-Pop masterclass already. She is prayerful on “Olodumare” and “Adua” and grateful for good fortunes on “Years Ago”. She proclaims herself as outstanding on “Alari” and invites us all too dance on “Melo”. And of course there’s “Lakiriboto” because what’s a project without a little naughtiness? The tracklist is an exhibition of range and versatility as much as it an assertion of confidence in self, and it all comes together with great cohesion.
From a marketing point of view, the EP is performing just as well, even competing favourably on the charts with Tiwa Savage’s project that was released the same day. During the official announcement, Davido publicly promised to turn her to a global music star and as far as first steps go, it doesn’t get much better than “Alari”. Liya is definitely on her way to great heights and we are excited to see just how high she climbs!
