In an industry that’s often problematic and superficial, singer, songwriter and self-proclaimed drama queen, Dyo, is a breath of fresh air. In fact, from the moment she shows up to set her laugh is infectious and her energy is one that can’t be matched.
Coming from a background of Nigerian heritage, the UK native grew up in East London, where the upbeat rhythms and movements of African, Bollywood, Soul and RnB music made up much of her surroundings — and ultimately went on to inspired who she is today. This dynamic of sounds gave Dyo that extra layer of foundation at the age of 9 when she sang in her first talent show, solidifying her as the cool, confident girl, ready to conquer any stage she comes across. “As a kid, I just loved dressing up in my mum’s heels and wigs and pretending I was Beyonce,” she recalls. “I loved Destiny’s Child like no other, so I used to perform in the mirror.”
From there, Dyo began performing under the stage name “Ms. D”, producing demos and slowly dabbling in songwriting while performing in her church’s choir. Soon enough, there she began meeting people in the industry, which led her to write for artists like Wiley, Iggy Azalea and Maroon 5. Now, with her latest hit ‘Can’t Buy My Love’ out, she’s making it known that it’s Dyo behind it all. She’s a character with a lot of charisma, just as electrifying as the Africana that she wears, her spirit exudes just as striking. We caught up with Dyo before the release of her new EP Dyologue, to talk inspirations, upbringing and the challenges of songwriting.
Tell us about your work under the pseudonym “Ms. D”. How did you first get into writing and how did that lead to your writing credits on “Bounce” by Iggy Azalea?
I started as Ms. D, not writing, but laying down demos. Then, I joined the choir at my church where I met people who are in the industry now, like Talay Riley and Scribz Riley. This led to me learning a lot. They introduced me to people that would put me on the map and the rest is history.
What made you decide to change your stage name to Dyo?
My name is Dayo so I didn’t have to think hard about that one. I felt like “Ms. D” was me in my younger days and now I’ve matured from that period. It was time to just rock my actual name.
What was it like coming to terms with your passion for songwriting and singing?
It was a passion that I fell into. I didn’t know how to write or where to start but I began practicing and listening to the right people like James Fauntleroy or Ester Dean, [which eventually] helped me come into my world as a songwriter. They write very catchy songs with amazing melodies — that’s what I took from them.
What pushed you to decide to follow the path of sharing your music?
I knew it was time to start sharing my music. Singing is my first love and I’d been writing for everyone else but for me, it just felt like the time was now.
Describe the moment in your career when you realized “okay, I’m really doing this.”
Just after [the song] “Sexual” I decided ‘that’s it, I’m doing my own thing’. It took a little while trying to figure out my sound but once I got there that was it, no turning back.
Were your parents supportive of you singing?
My parents were gradually supportive. At first they didn’t understand why I wanted to do music for a living but now they see it’s worked out, they understand.
What does home feel like?
Home for me is many things. London, that’s where I lived my whole life. It’s Nigeria because that’s where all my family is from and it’s being in my comfort zone where I can truly be myself. I associate feelings of happiness and nostalgia [with home]. I’m grateful looking back and thinking about what I have now that I didn’t have then I get a lot of good memories when I think about my life growing up. The people I grew up around separates my neighborhood from anywhere I’ve been, the love I receive.
How do you stay true to yourself in an industry with so many superficial and problematic tendencies?
I stay true by being comfortable in myself and not comparing myself to others and other people’s journeys and just know I am where I’m supposed to be right now and whatever will be, will be.
How has your cultural background played a role in your music?
I grew up listening to a lot of Nigerian music at parties, long car rides, every part played a part in my taste in music and rhythm that I feel. Incorporating that into my music must have a feeling and an undeniable beat.
How would you describe your sound?
My sound is Afro-pop but alternative Celtic melodies. It’s very hard to just attach a genre to it.
What are the biggest challenges in writing for other people compared to writing for yourself? What do you enjoy most about it?
My biggest challenge in writing for others is loving a song that’s not for you and having to separate yourself. As a black artist, I just want to do my best and show my talent to the world and hold up the flag for the young ones who will soon grow.
What inspired this EP’s lead single “Can’t Buy My Love”?
“Can’t Buy My Love” is exactly what it is: an encouraging song for people who find themselves in this position of allowing their love to be bought but this is saying no to all of that.
How did you and Mr. Eazi connect on “Go All The Way”?
Me and Mr. Eazi just happened to be jamming in the studio, passing the mic around and that’s how that came about. It’s a small industry where everyone knows everyone but originally he was coming to the studio for me to work on something for him but I was already in the thick of my song so it didn’t work out like it was planned.
What do you hope for your impact in the music industry to be?
I hope my music will inspire people, lift you in good spirits and help you through hard times just give you something to feel.
If you weren’t writing/singing what would you be doing?
I would probably be acting or something. I’m quite a drama queen! I love doing impersonations of people.
Photographer: Olivia Lifungula
Stylist: Palesa Dlamini
MUA: Laila Zakaria
Dyo’s EP ‘Dyologue’ is out now.
