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Nigerian singer Liya has opened up about the deeply personal reasons behind her exit from Davido Music Worldwide (DMW) in 2023, citing emotional struggles and a desire for personal and artistic growth.
Liya, who made history as DMW’s first female signee in October 2020, disclosed that her decision to leave the label was driven by the need to rediscover herself beyond the pressures of the music industry.
Speaking during an interview on Wahala with Josy Anne, the singer revealed that she battled depression and overwhelming expectations, which significantly affected both her career and personal life.
“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.”
The artist noted that despite public perception that she had everything under control, she was struggling behind the scenes. She also faced intense criticism, with some accusing her of laziness and failing to maximise the opportunities provided by the label.
“They called me names… people saying I’m lazy, that I don’t know what I’m doing, that money was being spent on me without results,” she recounted, admitting that she partly blamed herself during that period.
Liya further revealed that her struggles became so overwhelming that she withdrew from managing her social media presence. For nearly two to three years, she relied entirely on her manager to handle her Instagram posts.
“I just did not know how to post by myself… I would prepare the content and send everything to my manager to upload,” she explained.
Despite the challenges, the singer expressed gratitude to her manager for his patience and understanding during her difficult phase.
“He was tired, but I’m so glad he understood. He never forced me,” she added.
Liya’s revelation sheds light on the often unseen mental health battles faced by artists in the spotlight, as she continues her journey of self-discovery and growth beyond DMW.