Nigerian singer Liya has opened up about the reasons behind her departure from Davido Music Worldwide (DMW) in 2023, revealing that the decision was driven by personal struggles and a desire for growth.
Liya, who became the label’s first female signee in October 2020 under Davido, said she chose to leave to focus on her well-being and artistic development.
Speaking on the Wahala with Josy Anne show, the singer described the period leading up to her exit as emotionally challenging.
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According to her, she battled feelings of depression and exhaustion, which affected both her personal life and career.
“Why did I leave? I just wanted more for myself, as a person and as an artist,” she said. “It was sad, it was depressing, I was tired, I was sick, but it was a decision that I had to make for myself.”
Furthermore, Liya explained that despite being signed to a major label, she struggled behind the scenes. She noted that many people assumed she had everything under control, but the reality was different.
“Everyone thought I had it all figured out,” she added.
In addition, she revealed that she faced criticism from the public during that period. Some critics accused her of being unproductive and failing to make use of the opportunities available to her at the label.
“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,’” she said.
The backlash, she explained, further affected her confidence and mental state. As a result, she gradually withdrew from handling aspects of her public image.
Liya disclosed that at one point, she stopped managing her own Instagram account. For nearly two to three years, she relied entirely on her manager to handle her posts and online presence.
“And all that period, I just did not know how to post by myself,” she said. “I never posted myself on Instagram. I always had my manager post for me.”
Moreover, she praised her manager for his patience and understanding during that difficult time. According to her, he supported her without applying pressure, allowing her to recover at her own pace.
“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.
Her revelations have sparked conversations about mental health challenges within the music industry, especially among young artistes navigating fame and expectations.
Overall, Liya’s account shed light on the less visible struggles behind success while highlighting the importance of self-care and supportive management in sustaining a career.
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