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Zainab Donli (Lady Donli)

Biography

Lady Donli, born Zainab Elizabeth Donli, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and performer recognized as one of the defining artists of Nigeria's Alté movement. Born in Cleveland, Ohio, and raised primarily in Abuja and Kaduna, she studied law at the University of Surrey before leaving to pursue music full time. Her sound blends Afrobeats, alternative R&B, jazz, soul, funk, and hip-hop, reflecting both Nigerian musical traditions and global influences.


Following early releases including the EPs What Is Perfect? (2016), Wallflower (2017), and Letters to Her (2018), Lady Donli gained widespread recognition with her debut studio album, Enjoy Your Life (2019). She continued to develop her Pan-African musical vision with Pan African Rockstar (2023), collaborating with artists from across the continent while helping define the creative spirit of the Alté movement through fearless experimentation and genre-defying music.


Beyond her music, Lady Donli has become an important cultural voice for authenticity and self-expression. In a National Geographic feature, she publicly identified herself as "a queer Black woman," describing freedom as living without fear that her identity would stand in the way of her ambitions. Her work continues to celebrate individuality, African creativity, and the power of artists to shape culture on their own terms.

BQW Impact

Lady Donli has helped redefine contemporary African music by bringing queer visibility, genre experimentation, and Pan-African identity into the mainstream Alté movement. Through her music and public advocacy for authenticity and self-expression, she has become an influential voice for Black queer creatives navigating artistic freedom within environments where LGBTQ+ communities continue to face significant social and legal challenges. Her work demonstrates how music can challenge convention while celebrating individuality, cultural pride, and creative freedom.

Notable Works

  • Wallflower (2017)

    Early EP that established Lady Donli's distinctive blend of Afrobeats, soul, jazz, and alternative R&B within Nigeria's emerging Alté scene.

  • Enjoy Your Life (2019)

    Debut studio album celebrated for its genre-blending sound and Pan-African musical influences.

  • "Cash" (2019)

    Signature single, later remixed with Davido, that introduced Lady Donli to a broader international audience.

  • W I L D (2021)

    Experimental EP showcasing her continued artistic evolution through alternative production and global musical influences.

  • Pan African Rockstar (2023)

    Sophomore album expanding her Pan-African artistic vision through collaborations and innovative production.

Learn More
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