Lady Donli

Lady Donli is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and producer celebrated for her soulful sound and her role as a leading voice in Nigeria’s alternative (alté) music movement. Born Zainab Donli in Cleveland, Ohio, and raised between the United States and Nigeria, she brings a global perspective to her music, seamlessly blending neo-soul, jazz, R&B, funk, and Afro-influenced rhythms. Her artistry is defined by rich vocals, emotionally expressive songwriting, and a strong sense of individuality.

She rose to prominence in the late 2010s with a series of well-received projects, including Letters to Her (2017) and Enjoy Your Life (2019), the latter becoming one of the most celebrated albums of Nigeria’s alté era. The project highlighted her ability to balance vulnerability with confidence, exploring themes of self-love, womanhood, freedom, and emotional healing. Lady Donli’s music often carries a warm, intimate quality while remaining bold and experimental.

Beyond her solo work, Lady Donli is a cultural tastemaker known for her influence in fashion, visual art, and youth culture. She has collaborated with key figures in the African alternative space and continues to push creative boundaries through both sound and aesthetics. With her fearless self-expression and genre-fluid approach, Lady Donli remains a vital force shaping the evolution of contemporary African alternative music