Nigerian recording artist Abdulsalam Suliyat Modasola, known professionally as Liya, has clarified that her 2023 departure from Davido Music Worldwide (DMW) was driven by the pursuit of personal and professional development following a period of significant emotional and physical strain. The singer addressed the circumstances during a recent broadcast of the interview program Wahala with Josy Anne.
Liya joined the imprint in October 2020, becoming the first female vocalist on the label’s roster. She officially parted ways with the company three years later, citing a combination of exhaustion, depression, and ongoing health complications. According to the artist, these difficulties accumulated over time and necessitated a structured exit to prioritize her long-term wellbeing and career stability.
The timeframe coincided with public speculation regarding her output, as certain online commentators questioned her productivity and criticized the label’s financial commitment. Liya noted that such public assessments failed to account for the internal challenges she experienced. She also confirmed that her limited digital presence was a direct result of her condition, explaining that a management representative administered her official social media channels for more than two years. She acknowledged her manager’s accommodating approach, noting that consistent support allowed her to step back without facing additional professional pressure.
Following her initial signing, Liya released a series of singles including “Melo,” “Adua,” and “Lakiriboto.” Her departure from the record company contributes to ongoing discussions within the entertainment sector regarding performer welfare, mental health management, and contract structures. Management teams and record labels have increasingly outlined revised protocols for artist support, emphasizing sustainable working conditions and clear communication channels during high-pressure project cycles.
As Liya transitions into an independent phase of her career, her public account underscores the practical necessity of aligning professional commitments with personal health. The details surrounding her time at DMW illustrate the operational considerations recording artists evaluate when managing label agreements and planning long-term creative development.
