Liya Opens Up About Departure from Davido's Record Label
Singer and songwriter Abdulsalam Suliyat Modasola, widely known by her stage name Liya, has publicly disclosed the reasons behind her exit from Davido Music Worldwide (DMW). In a candid revelation, she expressed that her decision stemmed from a deep-seated desire to achieve more both as an individual and as a professional artiste.
The Announcement and Initial Reactions
Liya, who made history as the first female artiste signed to Davido's label in October 2020, officially announced her departure in 2023 during an Instagram question-and-answer session. When a fan inquired if she was still affiliated with DMW, she responded with "Nopee, But #30bg for lifee," indicating a respectful end to her tenure while maintaining loyalty to the brand's ethos.
Emotional Struggles Behind the Decision
In a recent podcast interview, Liya elaborated on the challenges surrounding her exit, describing it as a difficult and emotionally taxing choice. "Why did I leave? I just wanted more for myself, as a person and as an artiste. I wanted more for myself," she explained. She recounted feelings of sadness, depression, fatigue, and illness during that period, emphasizing that it was a necessary step for her personal growth, despite external perceptions that she had everything under control.
Facing Public Criticism and Misjudgment
The singer also addressed the harsh criticism she endured from the public and industry observers. She revealed that many people wrongly judged her, labeling her as lazy and accusing her of lacking direction. "They called me names. People saying, Oh, she's just lazy. She doesn't know what she's doing. They're just pouring money on her, and she's not doing anything for over a year or two years," Liya shared. She admitted to internalizing these criticisms, feeling at fault for the situation.
Impact on Social Media and Managerial Support
The emotional strain was so severe that Liya stopped managing her own Instagram account for approximately two to three years. She confessed, "And all that period, I just did not know how to post by myself. For the past two or three years. I never posted myself on Instagram. Yeah. I always have my manager post for me." She detailed how she would collaborate with her manager on content creation but relied on him to handle the actual posting, highlighting her struggle with self-promotion during that time.
Despite these challenges, Liya expressed gratitude for her manager's unwavering patience and support. "He was tired, but I'm so glad he understood. He was very patient with me. He never pushed me or forced me to post myself," she added, acknowledging his role in helping her navigate the difficult phase.
Context of Davido's DMW Label
Davido founded DMW in 2016 with the mission to nurture Nigerian musical talent, and over the years, he has signed more than 10 artistes to the label. Notable names associated with DMW include Mayorkun, Peruzzi, Dremo, Yonda, Idowest, DJ Ecool, Morravey, Logos Olori, and Boi Chase. Liya's departure marks a significant moment in the label's history, as she was its inaugural female signee, and her story sheds light on the personal and professional dynamics within the Nigerian music industry.
