Amandah Opoku: Hello Didi J, thank you for sitting down with us! Before we kick off this interview, what is your favourite song on radio?
Didi J: I actually have several favorite songs on the radio right now, to be honest. Lol! But, out of the favorites, I might have to choose Lady Gaga’s “Illusion” as my current fav because I love Gaga!!
AO: Of the songs that have been released within the last year, what are your favourite lyrics you’ve heard that you wish you had written?
DJ: All of them!! Because they are on the radio, and if I wrote them, I would be on the radio now! Lol! I’m just kidding. But, I would have to say I wish I would’ve written the last line in the Formation bridge: “you know you that b*%&, when you cause all this conversation. Always stay gracious, best revenge is your paper.” Why? It’s a statement of who she is. That she is at the top of the game now, and that’s where I aspire to be one day.
AO: You released your single “Say No More” featuring Shaggy in January and the video has surpassed 4 million views. Congrats! How does it feel to know that, over 4 million people have checked out the track?
DJ: t feels absolutely amazing!!
AO: What is the story and/or inspiration behind “Say No More”?
DJ: In writing “Say No More,” we were inspired by a culmination of a number of experiences I’ve had in my love life. Experiences I had while dating my current significant other, the love of my life. In particularly, the passion that we have in our love. I feel that our love is red hot, and “Say No More” is saying that we don’t need to say anything because our bodies are saying everything that needs to be said to the other!
AO: What was the writing and recording process like for “Say No More”? How did Shaggy get on the track?
DJ: For me, I am always nervous. I’m a perfectionist. So, I will take like a thousand vocal takes before I feel like we got the right one. Even after we finish recording, listening back, I would go back in and fix some areas I thought were just not good enough.
Shaggy, on the other hand, is so experienced and comfortable with himself as an artist, that he was able to get his parts done perfectly very quickly. We actually met through a member on my team that works with promotions. He heard the original “Say No More” and thought Shaggy would work great on it. We discussed it as a team, discussed it with Shaggy’s management, and everything worked out great! The song came out amazing, and both teams are very excited about the song!!
AO: As an artist, a musician, what inspired you to take on this career?
DJ: I’ve actually wanted to be an artist since I can remember first hearing a great song on the radio. Probably, the biggest thing that made me really want to be an artist was seeing JLo videos as a young girl. I remember watching those videos, and wanting to be just like that, to make music like that, to make videos like those pop videos.
AO: Are there particular artists that have influenced and shaped your sound? If so, who are they?
DJ: I grew up listening to Britney, Madonna, JLo, Beyonce, and Rihanna. From the moment I saw them, I loved the way they performed, their costumes, their personal style, and that you could have fun and dance to almost every one of their songs. They make music that makes you feel beautiful, strong and sexy, when you sing them. I want to make music like that.
AO: If you were able to collaborate with any artist, who would you collaborate with and why?
DJ: I would love to work with Beyonce, Pitbull, or FloRida. My ultimate dream would be a collaboration with Beyonce because she is also a fashion diva, a musical inspiration, and one of the artists I truly admire.
AO: Besides music, fashion is a big part of who you are. Are there any individuals who inspire your style?
DJ: I am inspired by so many great designers and fashionistas! I love Versace. I love Atsuko Kudo. I love Beyonce’s style. I love Kim Kardashian’s style. They all inspire my style. Their dedication, unique style, and drive have inspired me too..
AO: When you create, what influences your styles and designs?
DJ: Much of my inspiration comes from my love of fashion, beautiful clothes, and my love of feeling beautiful and sexy. I work with a team in creating my fashions that also inspires me to make clothes that compliment a woman’s figure and her sexiness. I love to feel sexy, and want every woman to feel sexy and powerful. So, we try to design clothes to can help make women feel that way.
AO: Would you say that music influences your style (fashion) or your style (fashion) influences your music?
DJ: To be completely honest, I have to say that each influences the other. My music is sexy, so it influences my style because I have to have clothes that are sexy. On the other hand, I naturally love to be sexy and wear beautiful clothes. So, I work to create music that is fun and sexy.
AO: What has been your proudest moment in your career as an artist so far?
DJ: I’ve had singles that have charted in top charts in Europe, and, I’ve won a couple of awards there as well. But, to be honest, probably the proudest moment in my career has been visiting children’s homes in Europe and places like Thailand, and bringing them toys and clothes. My career allows me to help those I feel need the most love and help…children. I am very passionate about helping children.
AO: What do you hope to achieve within the next 5 years?
DJ: Total world dominance, of course! Just kidding. Lol! I do hope to become a household name in the next five years…but, doesn’t every artist want that? Lol!
AO: As an artist, what do you hope people take away from your music? What can of artist do you want to be regarded as?
DJ: First and foremost, I want people to see me as a real artist, not just some singer that “made a song.”. Although I want people to have fun singing and dancing to my songs, I still want them to listen to the songs and say, “Didi is a great artist.” An artist that makes music for everyone to enjoy. I want to be an artist that inspires people to be their beautiful selves!! And, of course, I want them to see me as the fashionista I am as well! Lol!
AO: In regards to music, what else can we expect from you this year?
DJ: My team and I are working to release a second single, and possibly a third single this year, then an EP in the U.S. I am also getting ready to start my first official US Tour on March 30! We are very excited!! Since I am a fashion designer, I am also working on a new collection for 2017.
AO: Thank you for sitting down with us Didi J! Before you go what would you like to say to your fans?
DJ: I would like to say "thank you" for being a fan! I love you! My biggest desire is for my fans to dance and have fun to my music, and love my songs as much as I do.
