If you threw R&B, hip hop, jazz, and Afrobeat into a bowl and combined them with raspy, energetic vocals, you might make Lady Donli. Born in Ohio, raised in Abuja, educated in the UK, and now living between London and Lagos, Donli recently released her debut album, Enjoy Your Life, to much critical acclaim. At 23 years old, she is forging her own path as one of the next global African superstars. We caught up with the artist to discuss fame, family and more for this instalment of That’s 5.
The following interview has been lightly edited.
What influences you?
My home (Nigeria), my people and my friends. The cultures I see around me and my soul. I tap into myself as much as I can, it drives me and keeps my fire burning.
What’s the most overrated?
Fame. I guess being famous can be nice too, but I’m sure it gets overwhelming. Far too overwhelming. Never having your own space again. I don’t know how I’d deal.
What’s the most underrated?
Bernie Sanders. I won’t make this political but I think he’s been underrated for a long time.
What are you most excited about, right now?
This lockdown being over, one day. I hope. I miss my family, haven’t seen them in a long time. My nieces and nephews keep growing without me present, which sucks.
What’s next for you?
I’m not too sure, you know. My new single “Wonda Wonda” releases on May 15 and then beyond that, a couple more singles, maybe a video, maybe a tour. I’m really uncertain right now so I’m taking each new day as it comes.
Bonus Question: Was that 5?
One, two, three, four, five. If I’m counting right, then that was definitely 5!
