Nigerian singer Liya has shed light on the reasons behind her departure from Davido Music Worldwide (DMW) in 2023, revealing that the decision was driven by a desire for personal and artistic growth.
Liya, who made history as the label’s first female signee in October 2020 under Davido, said she needed to step away to rediscover herself beyond the expectations surrounding her career.
Speaking on the show Wahala with Josy Anne, the singer disclosed that she struggled emotionally during her time with the label, describing a period marked by exhaustion, sadness, and feeling overwhelmed. She admitted that the experience affected her confidence and independence, leading her to depend heavily on her manager for routine decisions.
The artist also addressed public criticism she faced, noting that some observers wrongly labelled her as unproductive or lacking direction. According to her, such comments added to the pressure she was already dealing with at the time.
Liya revealed that at one point, she stepped back from managing her own social media presence, relying on her manager to handle posts on Instagram for several years. She explained that while she contributed content ideas, she avoided direct engagement on the platform.
Despite the challenges, the singer expressed gratitude to her manager for his patience and understanding throughout the difficult period, noting that he allowed her the space she needed without pressure.
Her revelations highlight the often-unseen struggles artists face behind the spotlight, even while appearing successful to the public.
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