Born in Zaria on February 9, 1978, to the family of Aderonke Okulaja, Durella (Oluwadamilare Okulaja) hails from Ijebu Local Government Area in Illisan Remo, Ogun State. Durella started as a singer in an R&B group called the Hams Men, and went solo when he discovered his real talent while living in Mushin area of Lagos. This self discovery will later change his style to Ghetto music as he adopted the title of “King of the Zanga”.
Durella, who has performed alongside notable figures like Wyclef, Timaya, 9ce, Terry G, Big Splash, Jah Bless, Eldee, Ruggedman, Sean Kingston, etc, has released several hitsongs, including Enu Ose, Life in the Zanga, Shayo, Queen of my Zanga, and My Life. Presently signed unto Iconic records, Durella who’s new management is rebranding into celebrity status by moving him to the highbrow area of Lekki. He opened up to HEMBADOON ANDE on his personality, his new contract and the truth about his enemies in this chat.
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Please tell us who you are?
My names are Oluwadamilare Okulaja; my stage name is Durella, Indian tatana, Omo yakpayaski, courageous, tugbaski, psalm 91 and the last one, inbox.
All those names for you alone?
Only me oo (laughs).
How long have you been in the music industry?
Since 2008
Why did you opt for music as a profession?
I have loved music my whole life. I used to see a lot of people do things that I thought I could do too, and I just believed in myself and in God because with God all things are possible.
How has it been so far?
It’s been beautiful. I don’t have to wake up at 6am in the morning to go to an office and say “good morning, sir” to anybody. I eat whenever I like and as much as I want. I am okay; I am satisfied, it’s beautiful. I dictate my pace. The only thing I need around me now is just my family – kids, wife… just to have them understand that I made it.
Do you have a family?
I am working towards it. After my album, my next project will be to find somebody and get seriously into the dating game.
You sound like you have your eyes marked on someone right now. Or are you throwing the gates open to eligible bachelorettes?
I have my eyes on the future for now; no one should apply oo, because even without application I get more than enough (laughs).
You have been off the scene for a while; what happened after the release of your first album ‘King of the Zanga’ in 2008?
I won the MTV Base Advance warning competition with $50,000 Prize money. After that I left my old label, TC Records. I started to work on my follow-up album, ‘Reconfigurated’ because as a stand-up guy, I don’t give up easily. I started to tour and met with Iconic Muzik representatives in Malaysia and now I am signed onto Iconic Muzik as the premiere representative, and my new singles are out – ‘Macmarama’ and ‘Inbox’. My new video is out, ‘For My Life’ and from now on you will see a new Durella on a new level.
So, there was never really a break per se?
There was no break; it was only enemies: enemies tried to silence me but they cannot, because Psalm 91 is on my side.
We know Durella for his belief in ‘enemies’; it’s also possible that a large number of your fanbase share that belief. Just so we are clear; do you just say that for the music or you actually believe there are enemies?
I grew up in the jungle where you meet the lions and the crocodiles and the shooters, if you are not strong like a lion when you meet the opposition – maybe a hyena – you won’t be able to stand the heat. I grew up in Ajegunle, in Mushin; in those places even when you have done nothing, they just start ‘beefing’ you. There are enemies everywhere. There are enemies in the industry, too, in the streets, in the office, at your home, at the work place – they are everywhere. I need everyone to know that there are enemies because they really tormented me out there in the Zanga; they made me feel like I couldn’t make it in my life but I trusted in God. I want people who are still trying to survive to know that these people are there – there are there to antagonize; never compromise with them because they are out to pull you down.
Moving from enemies to friends, who are your friends especially in the industry, people who have supported you and have stood by you?
I have a lot of friends in the industry who love me, and a lot of friends who pretend they love me but they are enemies, but I never mind because I believe I have come into this world for a purpose. They say what’s good for the goose is good for the gander; so if you bust your gun I will bust my revolver. For the fact that I am quiet and I do not speak much doesn’t mean that I do not have an opposite.
You sound like a very spiritual person…
Yes I am, I go to church every Sunday…
Are you the ‘church going’ Christian?
I go to Mountain of Fire; I pay my tithes; if you don’t pay your tithes you will never be prosperous. I grew up in an Anglican church; my grandmother – I love her so much – she used to make us write letters to God every Christmas Eve. We used to write wishes and dreams to God then. It took a lot of time for them to materialise, but it eventually came through.
Tell us about your new album, ‘Reconfigurated’
This album is gonna be the bomb. If you send a hunter to the jungle and you don’t give him guns and ammunition, he won’t do well, but right now I am equipped with the guns I need, and they say the bigger the guns the better the hunt.
What’s the plan now, any tours, etc?
I will surely be going on tour.Everything is now different; even the album is different and there is more work in it. With ‘Iconic’ everything is new. There are new enhancements, new things, new clothes, new boxers (laughs), new flexing to the fullest; trust me.
We have never heard Durella do any love songs, is there a love song on this album?
Yes. ‘Inbox’ is a love song. I was challenged by the fans to do something different; I decided to do a love song. People said I am not emotional and I cannot do a slow track, so I decided to come out with something different. I am human – like everybody else. It’s always funny; when a gangster like me falls in love people can’t believe it. They ask if it’s true, then they take advantage of you. But I have feelings, too, and I am emotional.
Who do you rate in the industry at the moment? Any male and female favourites?
I rate anyone that is working hard, and I do not ‘feel’ anyone that is sleeping, because if you are sleeping in this jungle, be prepared for the hyenas because they come as a thief in the night. I love everyone with anything good going now.
Did you feature anyone in your album?
Yes, my last album; Terry G, Timaya, Lord of Ajasa, K-Solo and some new comers.
No females on the records?
I was supposed to feature Omawumi but at the period she was not available. I love the strength she puts in the music, her vibes. I also like Waje and MoCheddah. I am trying to be an icon and this is what has inspired the change in the music, so I need the back-up and Psalm 91.
With the current project on, how long do you see yourself in the industry?
Till my kids are fully grown. I want to be here in 20 years from now, and still going strong.
What’s the plan; will you only focus on music throughout this period?
The plan is to open up an outfit. Durella is not only for the ‘Zangalite’; he is also for the masses, kids in secondary school, primary schools as well, because I love kids. I will focus on merchandise – Durella snickers for the big boys and girls; Durella condom, Durella pens, Durella school packs for kids, etc.
Last word?
I hold very dearly to Psalm 91 – it is my companion and I do not joke with it. Anyone who recites Psalm 91 daily will never be left alone; he will always prosper. I believe in God and I want to work hard because I have to buy my grandmother a house on the beach of Florida.
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