Claiming to be a premier league star, mystery rapper Dide has taken the UK scene by storm creating a whirlwind of theories on his identity under the diamond studded mask. With his two freestyles and the release of his first official single “Thrill” sitting at 1.9 million views on YouTube, Dide has been making waves through the intrigue of his identity but more importantly his ability behind the mic to craft a unique sound that gives off the impression of a veteran in the game yet being a newcomer. With names such as Wilfred Zaha, Eddie Nketiah and even Harry Maguire floating about, everyone and their mum is claiming to know which baller is under the mask.
With talks of new music around the corner Dide gives his fans some insight on what is in store for his future behind the mic. Leading on to talk about the sources of creative influence that eventually led to the creation of ‘Dide’, and lays out the breadcrumbs to finally piece together his identity. Take in the full conversation below!
GRM Daily: 1.9 million views on a debut track is crazy, congrats! All the attention has created a whirlwind of conspiracies on your identity under the mask, What do you think of it all?
“Thank you, I’m forever grateful for the support and for the fans who understand what I’m here to do. There’s been some crazy shouts on who I might be which has been entertaining to say the least.”
As a new artist on the scene you’ve already established a unique rapping cadence on your freestyles and latest single, How did you land on your rapping style?
“It came naturally to be honest, when I write I like to imagine I’m having a conversation with the listener.”
With only two freestyles and one official track released you sound at home behind the mic, how long have you been working on music?
“I’ve been rapping for just over a year. To begin with, it was just for fun in my downtime. As footballers, there are times when we’re incredibly busy and need laser focus. I’ve learnt how to perform well in those circumstances. However, I like to have a creative outlet when I’m not training, playing or studying the game.”
Every artist has their own routine to get their creative process started, what does a routine studio session look like for Dide?
“I’ll go in to a session with ideas about what I want to touch on but I’m also always open to the unknown. You pick up experiences and with them comes emotions. Creating music is a great way to lay it all out on the table and through it you understand and grow.”
On your latest single “Thrill” you reference your time on the pitch with lyrics like ‘Catch me online cos my team stays winning’. Is this a hint you play for any of the top 3 teams in the prem?
“Whenever I step on the pitch, the aim is always to win. I’ll leave the rest up to the fans to speculate.”
Which team fan base can claim Dide as their baller/rapper?
“All teams can because as much as I play for one team, I speak for all of us.”
You drop names of ballers like Foden, Neymar, and Harry Kane in your bars, do they have any personal relevance to your time on the pitch?
“They are relevant because we have a lot in common. We’re all held to an impossible standard, all strive for perfection, all dedicate our lives to our craft. But yeah I’ve rubbed shoulders with some of my idols.”
You make an effort to be conscious in your bars, with “Thrill” touching identity and inequality with mention of our current prime minister Rishi Sunak and crime on the roads. What message are you trying to send to your listeners?
“‘Thrill’ gave listeners a small insight into my message. I’m just trying to share my perspective on this life, maybe talk a little about the side of my industry you don’t see.”
I can imagine being a prem baller is as close to a 24/7 job on and off the pitch, how has it been managing your two passions?
“It’s been fine, I have a solid team around me who help me manage the day to day stuff.”
Thinking back, when did you initially realize you wanted to pursue music? and did football ever clash with your pursuit?
“I’d say about a year ago I thought about it, I guess it was a question of when to release something and if so what. Football for all of my life has and will always remain my eternal love, so it was more about how I could enjoy other things too rather than it clashing with football.”
Coming up in the UK scene there’s creative influence everywhere, were there any local creatives that influenced the creation of ‘Dide’?
“Yes and No.. I mean i’m a fan of UK culture but a lot of my creative ideas come from things being done globally. I think as an individual I’ve got a-lot of creative ideas which I’ll continue to explore when I’m not playing football.”
Random question but what’s your favourite cultural dish from back home?
“Pot noodles.”
Your diamond studded flower mask has established your unique look apart from the rest of the scene, how did you land on the look?
“The mask, the name, everything is connected. All it takes is for someone to do the maths.”
On the topic of the mask, is it permanent or can fans look forward to the big reveal in the near future?
“I guess the fans will have to wait and see.”
With all the debating about who it is under the mask, what has been the funniest guess you’ve seen?
“Harry Maguire”
What does the future look like, can fans expect more singles or even an album in the near future?
“I would like to drop a tape or album in the near future. Let’s see what happens. For now, my next single is right around the corner.”
I would regret it if I didn’t ask straight up. Who is ‘Dide’ under the mask?
“We are many.”
While keeping it pretty illusive Dide gives his fans something to chew on until his new release with his next single being “just around the corner” and the possibility of an album cooking up for release in the near future. With each bar filling in the equation to finally find out the identity of the person or people under the mask Dide’s journey is just beginning with the rapper gearing up to take the summer by storm.
Check out Dide’s official debut single “Thrill” down below!