BIGSONG:
Durella is a Nigerian recording artist, performer, songwriter, and businessman. He is also known as the “King of the Zanga” and has released several singles such as “Enu Ose,” “Shayo,” “Wizkolo Wiska,” “Club Rock,” and “GaGa” featuring Wizkid 1. Durella was awarded “MTV Base Advance Warning Artist” of the year in 2008 1. He is the first Nigerian artist to own a shoe line: Durella Sneakers, named after his popular slogan “2Gbaski” 1. Durella was born in Zaria, Kaduna State, and grew up in Mushin and Ajegunle 1. He wrote his first song at age 13 and ascribed his moniker “Durella” to the street 1. Originally his nickname was Durel, but this was later changed to Durella 1. While he was known as Durel, he was an R&B artist and released a single titled “Why” 1. Durella’s musical prowess was attested by his victory at the Airtel (formerly Zain)/ MTV Advance Warning Competition where he won $50,000 with the song, “Life in Zanga” 1. Critics have argued that Durella sounds like Dapo Oyebanji, popularly known as D’banj. But Durella disagrees, saying: “The most important element that makes you a musician is the lyrical content on your music. You must also be very versatile and be sure to get returns on investment. These three things make you stand out. If you don’t have them, you can’t even sell ten copies. All I know is that I am me, so there is no basis for comparison with D’banj.”
