Divine Uzama (born December 4, 2002), better known by his stage name Zerrydl, is a Nigerian singer, rapper, and songwriter. He gained initial recognition following the release of the debut single "Ifeoma" (2022). He rose to prominence with the release of his 2023 amapiano single "Puff & Pass".[3] Following the success of "Puff & Pass", Zerrydl signed with Plutomania Records to release his debut extended play (EP) Danger Zee (2023).[4]

Zerrydl
Birth nameDivine Uzama
Born (2002-12-04) December 4, 2002 (age 21)
Benin City, Edo, Nigeria
OriginBenin City
Genres
Occupations
  • Rapper
  • singer
  • songwriter
Years active2021–present
Labels
RelativesShallipopi (brother)[2]
Websitezerrydl.com

Life and career

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Early life

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Zerrydl was born in Benin City, Edo State.[5] He was raised by his parents alongside two brothers: Shallipopi, an elder brother who is also a singer, and Osahon, his younger brother.[6]

2021–present: Career beginnings, breakthrough, Danger Zee, and Wara Wara Szn

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Uzama began his music career alongside his elder brother Shallipopi, sharing freestyles and song covers on social media.[7] His first single, "Ifeoma", was released in 2022, although it did not chart, it garnered some attention.[8] Following his signing to Plutomania Records, Uzama released the hit single "Puff & Pass" on July 9, 2023,[9] which debuted at number 39 on the Nigeria TurnTable 100 charts, making it Zerrydl's first entry on the chart.[10][11] He later released the remix of "Puff & Pass" with Shallipopi on October 20, 2023.[12][13] Its accompanying music video was released that same day and currently has 5.4 million views on YouTube, as of November 2024.[14] He was featured on Shallipopi's "Wet on Me" on November 10, 2023.[15]

On December 15, 2023, Uzama released his debut extended play Danger Zee,[16][17] which debuted at number 14 on the Official Top 50 Albums Chart.[18] In 2024, he released the single "O.U.A.T" on May 23,[19] which became the lead single for his second EP, Wara Wara Szn, featuring Seyi Vibez, and Tega Boi Dc, released on May 31.[20][21]

In July 2024, Uzama performed alongside his brother Shallipopi and Nigerian rapper Rema at the 2024 Wireless Festival, a prominent music event held in various cities across the UK.[22] Uzama also released the single "Back to Back" on September 23, 2024,[23] which debuted at number 40 on the TurnTable charts 100.[24] On October 19, 2024, Uzama's single "Back to Back" reached its peak position at number 16 on the UK Official Afrobeats Chart.[25] "Back to Back" debuted at number 42 on the Billboard U.S. Afrobeats Songs chart, marking his first Billboard appearance.[26][27]

Discography

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List of extended plays, with selected details
Title Details Peak chart positions
NG
[28]
Danger Zee[29] 87
Wara Wara Szn[30]
  • Released: May 31, 2024
  • Label: Plutomania, Dapper
  • Formats: Digital download, streaming

Singles

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  • "Ifeoma" featuring Iamemzyfrush1 (2022)
  • "Puff & Pass" (2023)
  • "Puff & Pass (Remix)" featuring Shallipopi (2023)
  • "O.U.A.T" (2024)
  • "Back to Back" (2024)

References

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  1. ^ Joey Akan (August 26, 2024). "There's never been a greater time to be a Nigerian artist': but is there room for the next Burna Boy?". The Guardian. Retrieved November 17, 2024.
  2. ^ Utere Naomi (January 17, 2024). "Shallipopi shares loving moment with brother Zerrydl". NotJustOk. Retrieved November 17, 2024.
  3. ^ Philemon Jacon (January 1, 2024). "ZerryDL shows what he is about on Danger Zee". Medium. Retrieved November 17, 2024.
  4. ^ Osafo (October 18, 2023). "Zerrydl signs with Shallipopi's Plutomania Records". Groove Africa. Retrieved November 17, 2024.
  5. ^ Roderick Ukah (November 4, 2024). "Zerry DL Bi0graphy: Zerrydl joins the newest wave of Afrobeats". Affiliate. Retrieved November 18, 2024.
  6. ^ Kunle Adeleye (October 16, 2023). "Zerry Dl; The Hidden Story Behind Shallipopi Brother". Kanyi Daily News. Retrieved November 18, 2024.
  7. ^ AML (September 11, 2023). "Zerryy DL Profile". African Music Library. Retrieved November 17, 2024.
  8. ^ Tobiloba Akinsete (January 11, 2024). "The 20 Afrobeats artists to watch out for in 2024: Qing Madi, Morravey, Zerry DL and others". NotJustOk. Retrieved November 17, 2024.
  9. ^ Daniel Wisdom (May 9, 2024). "Zerry Dl comes through with a new amapiano jam called "Puff & Pass."". Xclusive Loaded. Retrieved November 17, 2024.
  10. ^ "TurnTable Charts Official Nigeria Top 100". TurnTable. Retrieved November 17, 2024.
  11. ^ YC (October 1, 2024). "Zerry DL Puff & Pass debuts at number 39 on TurnTable this week". Digimillenials. Retrieved November 17, 2024.
  12. ^ Peter Okhide (October 20, 2023). "Zerrydl and Shallipopi combine forces for 'Puff & Pass' remix". NotJustOk. Retrieved November 17, 2024.
  13. ^ Osafo Daniel (October 21, 2023). "Zerrydl and Shallipopi Releases 'Puff & Pass' remix". Groove Africa. Retrieved November 17, 2024.
  14. ^ Zerrydl (October 20, 2023), Zerrydl & Shallipopi - Puff & Pass (Remix) (Official video), retrieved November 17, 2024 – via YouTube
  15. ^ Victory Orimemi (April 4, 2024). "Shallipopi & Zerryl brags about their sexuality in 'Wet on Me'". TheCable. Retrieved November 17, 2024.
  16. ^ Linda (December 15, 2023). "Zerrydl Premieres Debut EP "Danger Zee"". Album Talks. Retrieved November 17, 2024.
  17. ^ Peter Okhide (December 16, 2023). "Zerrydl impresses with five-track debut EP 'Danger Zee'". NotJustOk. Retrieved November 17, 2024.
  18. ^ TC (December 28, 2023). "Danger Zee -EP debuts at No. 14 on this week's Official Top 50 Albums Chart in Nigeria". The Native. Retrieved November 17, 2024.
  19. ^ Peggy (May 23, 2024). "Zerrydl Drops Brand New Song titled 'O.U.A.T'". NaijaVibez. Retrieved November 17, 2024.
  20. ^ Big Sam (May 31, 2024). "Zerrydl Drops Second EP "Wara Wara SZN"". Trybe Coterie. Retrieved November 17, 2024.
  21. ^ Peter Okhide (May 31, 2024). "It's 'Wara Wara Szn' as Zerrydl drops second EP". NotJustOk. Retrieved November 17, 2024.
  22. ^ Admin III (July 14, 2024). "VIDEO: Rema, Shallipopi, Zerry DL shut down Wireless Festival". Blueprint. Retrieved November 17, 2024.
  23. ^ Peter Okhide (September 13, 2024). "Zerrydl delivers new single 'Back To Back'". NotJustOk. Retrieved November 17, 2024.
  24. ^ "Zerrydl's "Back To Back" rises from No. 51 to No. 40 on this week's Official Nigeria Top 100". October 4, 2024. Retrieved November 17, 2024.
  25. ^ "Official Afrobeats Chart". Official Charts Company. October 19, 2024. Retrieved November 17, 2024.
  26. ^ "Billboard U.S. Afrobeats Songs". Billboard. November 16, 2024. Retrieved November 18, 2024.
  27. ^ "Zerrydl "Back To Back" reaches a new peak at #42(+8) on the Billboard US Afrobeats Songs chart". Charts Africa. November 5, 2024. Retrieved November 18, 2024.
  28. ^ @TurntableCharts (November 10, 2024). "ICYMI— All the re-entries on the Official Top 100 Albums Chart in Nigeria" (Tweet). Retrieved November 17, 2024 – via Twitter.
  29. ^ AF (December 15, 2023). "Zerrydl releases debut EP Danger Zee". AML. Retrieved November 17, 2024.
  30. ^ "Zerrydl Drops Sophomore EP "Wara Wara Szn"". Album Talks. May 31, 2024. Retrieved November 17, 2024.