She’s dubbed as the wicked girl who makes wicked babe music. If you’re pondering the thought as to what this sound entails, this is your time to lock in as we speak to the ever-growing superstar that is DEELA.
Raised in Lagos and adopting the streets of London, she’s subtly been lifitng the decibels and with the arrival of her E.P Wicked, the doors have opened wide to an artist already making waves across continents.
It’s been a year of full-circle moments and after conquering the 02 Arena and Co-op Live alongside Little Simz, it felt right to digest DEELA’s story and how her latest musical chapter has unfolded.
We caught up with the wicked babe to break down her latest project, working with Little Simz, early Young Thug inspirations and much more.
Your new EP Wicked is out now! What can your listeners expect from the project?
“I feel like the consensus has been giving a lot of energy and electronic vibes. I feel like people don’t expect that I’m so versatile, and it’s nice to keep people on their toes. People love to dance to the project, and the lyrics take them to shock!”
Could you go into detail on the meaning behind the title Wicked?
“My fans call me the wicked girl and that I make wicked babe music. I feel like that extends from the lyrics and what I believe in. Wicked just has so many different meanings and connotations to it. It could mean in a strict way or if you’re describing a party and it’s something you feel is good. It shows that I’m a multifaceted person and it’s a way of living and carrying yourself.”
How long did it take to complete the E.P?
“It took me around six, seven months to make. I started with the recording process in November and finished in April this year. I did most of it in Lagos with my producers who are based there. Music is long-term and my goal is to have a headline show and to push this tape in different cities. It would be cool to perform in London, to perform in Lagos, to perform in New York and to connect with the people that have made this possible.”
You were in a writing camp in Nigeria. When it comes to working on music, does travelling around the world help with your creativity and the themes you want to touch on in your music?
“100%. Different places have different vibes. When I’m in Lagos, it’s sunny all year round, I’m going to the beach. I also grew up in Lagos, so it’s very much home to me. London to me is more work centred, more structured. Lagos is more chaotic! When I’m in London, I’m writing songs that are mostly in the alternative rap direction. At the end of the day, I always bring my authentic self forward which is the most important thing.”
Outside of your E.P, you performed at the Co-op Live arena in Manchester and the 02 Arena in London. How was this experience for yourself and how did you initially feel getting the call from Little Simz to join her on tour?
“It was such a surreal experience. The 02 and the Co-op arena are both 20,000-plus people! That was the largest crowd I’ve performed in front of, but I wasn’t nervous. To succeed, I don’t like fear coming in and destroying my moment. I was just happy to be there. That was Little Simz first arena show and I’m so grateful that she was able to share that stage with me. How I felt when she reached out, I was so confused! You never know who is watching what you’re doing. It all stemmed from a simple DM and now we have a song coming out together which is mad to me!”
How was it working with Little Simz?
“She’s just a genius. Her music speaks for itself and she’s just an amazing performer. Working with her was very easy. She’s Nigerian like me and we’re both from the Yoruba tribe. The track was afro-leaning, and we were speaking Yoruba on it. It was easy to bond on the similarities we had, and she already had most of the song done but I guessed she wanted me to add my own extra flair to it. we got it done in 90 minutes. A quick session but we got a lot done.”
Is there any other dream collaborations you want to achieve?
“I would definitely love to have a song with PinkPantheress, she’s doing amazing stuff right now. She’s a great performer and her music resonates with me a lot. I would love to get in the stuff with her, I think she’s so sick.”
If you had to create a genre to describe your sound, what would it be called?
“I would say alternative afro-electric rap! It fits all in that space. I don’t really box myself in.”
If you were to introduce a new listener to DEELA, which song would you play first?
“I would play Patience Ozokwor because that was the turning point for me and realising the type of sound I wanted to go down with. It’s so unique and no other song sounds like this one.”
What childhood memory comes to mind when you think about music?
“Definitely my dad playing music around me. He’s very much a music head. When I was young, my dad would play a lot of afrobeats. Afrobeats now is not the same as what it was when I was younger. It was so seamless and cohesive. That got me interested into knowing how they make music.”
When did you discover your talents for rapping?
“I was very much the academic child, nose in my books! I realised I always was a creative but more so an actress and writing poems. In terms of music, 2019. My friend invited me to rap on one of her tracks and I was so apprehensive because I didn’t understand what I was supposed to be doing! I enjoyed the process and that spearheaded me to making music and releasing.”
Were there any early inspirations that inspired you to take on music?
“When I came out making music I was more inspired by Young Thug and Young Nudy. I just loved how random they were. Young Thug is so random, but it sounds so professional. They inspired me to step on the mic, have the freedom and to not really doubt yourself. If you take music too seriously you end up not saying anything at all.”
Who are three artists currently at the top of your playlist?
“PinkPantheress is on there. I’ve just been shuffling things, not tapping into things. SahBabii is definitely on there. I listen to my stuff on repeat, so I’ll put myself too!”
Finally, what is your main goal for 2026?
“My top goal is to perform at a festival. That would be so sick. Performing at a festival like All Points East or Afro Nation. I feel like performing is the best way to introduce your music to new people. That’s when I feel the most confident.”