Nigerian music star Abdulsalam Suliyat Modasola, widely known as Liya, has explained that her exit from Davido Music Worldwide (DMW) was motivated by her need for both personal and career advancement.
Liya, who made history as the first female act signed to Davido’s label in October 2020, eventually left the imprint in 2023 after spending about three years with the team.
In a recent appearance on the programme Wahala with Josy Anne, the singer shared that her experience at the label took a heavy emotional toll on her.
She revealed that the period was characterised by depression, fatigue, and health issues, which forced her to prioritise her wellbeing and make a difficult choice.
“Why did I leave? I just wanted more for myself, as a person and as an artist.
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“It was sad, it was depressing, I was tired, I was sick, but it was a decision that I had to make for myself,” Liya said.
She also spoke about the criticism she received during her time with the label, noting that many people misjudged her situation and labelled her as unproductive.
“They called me names people saying she’s lazy, she doesn’t know what she’s doing. They’re just pouring money on her, and she’s not doing anything,” she said.
Liya added that the challenges she faced also affected her activity online, explaining that her Instagram account was handled by her manager for over two years.
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Despite everything, she acknowledged her manager’s understanding and support during that difficult period.
“He was tired, but I’m so glad he understood. He never pushed me or forced me,” she added.
Liya rose to prominence after joining DMW in 2020, releasing tracks such as Melo, Adua, and Lakiriboto, which helped establish her presence in the Nigerian music scene.
