For Drela, music has always been more than just sound — it’s survival, healing, and storytelling.
From the streets of Plateau to the bustling rhythms of Abuja and Lagos, every step of his journey has shaped his artistry. “Music became my way to express struggle, survival, and joy,” he says. “It’s been both a healing process and a way to connect with people.”
Even his name tells a story. Short, sharp, and unique, Drela isn’t just a stage name; it’s an identity. “The name Drela represents the version of me that’s fearless in creating and telling my story through sound,” he explains.
That fearless energy is exactly what fuels his upcoming collaboration, Jekomo, with none other than Durella. The two artists first crossed paths at a club, where an instant spark led them to Twins Beat’s studio. “We recorded Jekomo and the energy was pure magic,” Drela recalls. The track, laced with Afro bounce and street flavor, is set to be a motivational anthem. “Jekomo is about moving forward, enjoying life, and not letting struggles hold you back.”
Music became my way to express struggle, survival, and joy
Drela
The studio session itself was unforgettable. Drela describes Durella’s presence as electric: “Crazy vibes! The way he commands a beat is inspiring, and it pushed me to match that energy. It was fun but also a powerful creative exchange.”
This isn’t Drela’s first brush with big names. His earlier collaboration with Stonebwoy on Dem Dead left a lasting mark on his craft. “Working with Stonebwoy showed me the importance of discipline and detail in music,” he reflects. “He’s versatile and intentional with every bar, and that made me step up my game to deliver something timeless.”
Stonebwoy also left him with lessons that go beyond the booth. “The biggest lesson is humility and consistency. No matter how big you get, the work ethic never drops. He showed me that success comes with staying true to your sound and always being ready to evolve.”
Comparing both experiences, Drela says each collaboration stretched him in different ways. Dem Dead carried the weight of working with an icon, while Jekomo challenged him to match Durella’s high-octane energy. Both, however, reinforced his belief in growth through collaboration.
When asked about his sound, Drela calls it Afrofusion — rooted in Afro but layered with reggae, dancehall, R&B, and even hints of his Hausa background. His inspirations range from Burna Boy and Stonebwoy to Michael Jackson and reggae legends of old. “The beat usually guides the melody,” he explains of his creative process. “Then I let emotions lead the lyrics. Sometimes the words come first, but most times, I flow with the rhythm and let the song build itself naturally.”
Off the mic, Drela keeps things simple. He values authenticity and connection, seeing himself as just “a guy who loves life, values connection, and believes in turning struggles into stories that inspire others.”
And he’s far from done. After Jekomo, Drela is gearing up for another single titled Bank Alert, which he promises will dig even deeper into his storytelling while carrying international flavors.
For now, though, all eyes are on Jekomo — a song born out of good vibes, fearless creativity, and a hunger to keep moving forward.
