MADE BY YOU
MADE BY D.O.A
My name is Didun Akinyelure, originally from Lagos, Nigeria. I go by the music name Doa to the World (Doa TTW). I currently live in Toronto. My sound is a mix of hip-hop, R&B, Afrobeat, just vibes, really. I create whatever I’m in tune with at the moment. I’d say my music style is fluid and non-confirmative. It’s an honest reflection of where I’m at emotionally or mentally in a given moment.
Q/A
MBS: What is your earliest memory of music?
D.O.A: My earliest memory of music goes back to around 2016 or 2017. My uncle had a studio back in Nigeria where he would make music. I came to Canada in 2016, but before that, it was all Nigeria. Back then, we used to go to his studio just to soak in the vibes and watch him make music. One day, he gave me the opportunity to record. I went for it and surprisingly, it turned out really good. I remember thinking, damn, this is proper. But I couldn’t always get back to the studio, and I really wanted to keep recording. So, I started looking for other ways. I found this app online and began recording every day using basic earphones with a tiny mic. I kept at it. Practicing daily, until I was finally able to afford a proper setup. That’s when I really began to take ownership of the craft.
MBS: When did you know that you wanted to take music seriously?
D.O.A: I knew I wanted to take music seriously when I realized my songs were better than a lot of what people were putting out. Back in Nigeria at that time, there were so many artists dropping music. And I’ve always felt like I have a good ear being that I can tell what good music sounds like. Based on what I was hearing from others, and comparing it to what I was creating, I thought, wow, my sound is actually something special. My first song got around 5,000 plays on SoundCloud, and people started messaging me like, “Yo bro, you're so good,” and giving me props. That was the moment I thought, okay… maybe this isn’t just a hobby. Maybe I can really do this. At first, it was all just fun. But after a while, too many people were telling me the same thing. I couldn’t ignore it anymore. I began to realize that this might be a God-given talent, something I was meant to use and share with the world.
MBS: Out of all the music you’ve made, what is your personal favourite song? Can you walk us through the process of how it came about?
D.O.A: Good question. You know what? The song on Cheff’s next tape 10/10 is it for me right now. Essentially, Cheff had sent me a beat pack, like he usually does, and that specific beat immediately stood out. When I first heard it, I was like, damn… this beat is tough. One of those beats that almost intimidates you, making you question, what do I even have for this? I loaded it up and started trying to find a flow, but nothing was coming. I’m the type of person that, if it's
not working right away, I’ll just leave it and come back to it with fresh ears. So, I stepped away. One day, I forced myself to just get something started, and I began with the chorus just to establish a direction, a vibe, something we could build on. I ended up recording three different hooks and I sent them all to Cheff. His reaction? He was gassing it up. Like he was hyping it so much, which gave me the confidence to go even harder. We went back and forth deciding which one to go with. One was chill, more melodic, kind of geared toward the ladies. Another was more of a flex, swagger, confidence, all that. He told me straight up he wanted swagger; that’s the energy he was on. So, I said, Cool, let’s run with that. I stayed up all night cooking. It took me about an hour and a half. I sent it to him, and his response was everything. He said, “Yeah, wait… this is it. This is the one.” And I just said, “Thank you, Cheff.” That was it.
MBS: Would you say that your music matches or influences your sense of style?
D.O.A: You know, I actually have a lot of clothes. I love clothes. But when it comes to actually putting outfits together, I’ve always been pretty simple and laid-back. My music is loud, expressive, even extravagant, but my personal style has always been calm and minimal. Honestly, I don’t think my music and fashion style match at all. For example, I’m the type of guy who’ll just wear all black. If it’s a hot day, give me a pair of shorts and a tank top I’m good. That’s just how I’ve always been. But lately, I’ve started collaborating with a stylist. They’ve been helping me put together some proper drip, and now I’m really starting to see how things can come together, how certain pieces mesh together. I’ve been experimenting more, trying out new fits, and I’m starting to enjoy it. I’d say, going forward, you can expect to see more of that side of me. I’m learning that fashion is a lot like music. It takes the same kind of attention, intention, and creativity. It’s not just throwing things together. There’s an art to it.
MBS: If you could use one word to describe your art what would it be and why?
D.O.A: It’s personal, very personal. I say that because I’ve come to realize that music, like any art, you. You are your art. Everything I put out musically comes from something I’ve lived through or experienced firsthand. I couldn’t sing or say the things I do if I hadn’t actually gone through them. That’s why my music hits different for me, it’s real. Sometimes, I’ll listen back to one of my own songs and think, yeah… that really happened. I can feel it all over again because I’m not just making noise or saying anything random. I’m sharing real experiences, projecting my truth in a fun, groovy way that others can connect with too. At the end of the day, everything I create is deeply personal. It’s me, in sound.
MBS: If you weren’t making Hip Hop, what other genre of music would you like to make?
D.O.A: I’ve definitely done R&B before, and I’d like to tap back into it more. A lot of people have been telling me to return to that sound. But for me, it’s more about resisting the image that often comes with R&B. Don’t get me wrong R&B is cool, but the way it’s typically presented doesn’t really fit how I see myself right now. Currently, I’m on this “swag” wave. To me, swag is like a new kind of R&B, it blends that smoothness with hip-hop energy. That’s what I’m trying to build: an R&B sound that’s completely swagged out. Another reason I’ve stepped back from R&B is because of the lyrics. R&B is a lot more personal than hip-hop; it’s raw and full of emotion. And honestly, I don’t think I’m quite ready to expose that part of myself just yet. But at some point, I want to be able to do what artists like Drake do, switch seamlessly between hip-hop and R&B. I know I can do it. I’ve got the sound. It’s just the image and vulnerability that I’m still learning to embrace.
MBS: What is one word that you would use to describe a Cheff beat?
D.O.A: It’s a surprise man, always a surprise. You never know what you’re going to get with Cheff. He really does everything. On a scale of one to ten, not in terms of quality, but in range. He’ll send a beat pack that has everything. There’ll be some ones, some threes, some tens, some fours… it’s all over the place. The variety is crazy. That’s what makes it exciting. Every time I get a pack from him, I’m like, what’s this guy cooking now? And the wild part is, sometimes he’ll post something insane on his story that wasn’t even in the pack. I’ll be like, yo, you didn’t send me
that one! But yeah, working with Cheff is always a good surprise. Unpredictable in the best way.
MBS: What artists are in your current rotation?
D.O.A: Right now, my number one would be Skai water. Skai water is crazy man. Also, Nine vicious, man, that’s one I’ve had on repeat. Of course, I listen to myself too always. Future is another one he’s always at the top of my list. Been listening to a lot of SpaceJxm lately too. Shoutout to Space, he’s doing his thing. if Cheff counts as an artist, he got to be on that list as well. He’s an artist in every sense, not just a producer.
MBS: So, in terms of Cookbook, I know you weren’t able to make it onto last year’s tape. But this
year, you’re here. What does this tape mean to you personally? And what kind of influence do you think it’ll have on the city and the movement surrounding it?
D.O.A: I wasn’t on the first Cookbook tape, and that hit me hard. Cheff had sent me beats, but I wasn’t in the right headspace to record. When the project dropped and I saw how big it was, the rollout, the party, I knew I had missed a major opportunity. So, when the talk of Cookbook frvr came up, I locked in. Before Cheff even officially invited me, I was already recording. Every beat he sent, I sent back songs. This time, I wasn’t going to let it pass me by. On this project I have 3 songs, and it means a lot. It feels like a second chance, like the timing was meant to be. Cheff’s really putting in work too; PR, photoshoots, interviews, it’s real. As for the city, I think this tape could really shift things. Toronto has talent, swagger, and originality, and this tape shows it. I hope people really listen; this might be the start of a whole new wave.
MBS: What are your favorite food spots in the city?
D.O.A: I’m not even a big foodie like that, but I do have some personal favorites in no particular order. First, at the Eaton Centre food court, there’s this spot called Bourbon Grill. If you pull up after 8PM, you can get two plates for like $10, definitely a personal go-to. I’m also a seafood guy, so I like Red Lobster. It’s nothing too crazy, but it hits when you’re in the mood. Lately, I’ve really been into Jamaican food too, so I’ll say Roy Woods Caribbean for that. That one’s been in rotation for sure.
MBS: Where do you see yourself in five years?
D.O.A: I see myself happy, at peace, successful, and grounded. I don’t know exactly how it’ll all look,
but I know in five years, that’s where I need to be. I’ll be 30 by then and I can’t be crashing out
at that age. Whatever I’m doing, I just want to be thriving and solid.
MBS: Do you have any favorite clothing brands that you specifically like what they're putting out
currently?
D.O.A: I thrift a lot, I’m a big thrifter. I hit spots like Queen Street and Kensington Market whenever I can. I love to thrift because of it’s the originality. You find pieces no one else has, and it lets you express your style in a unique way. As for brands, one I really mess with is Severe Nature, they’re based out of Lagos, Nigeria. Super solid brand with great pieces.
MBS: What is a good thrift day for you?
D.O.A: I love vintage and retro styled clothing. A great thrift day includes getting 2 vintage style shirts, I
love shorts specifically baggy jorts, as I’m not much of a jeans guy. I also love Nike in terms of their shoes, I love finding shoes that have people guessing what brand they are, not your typical type of Nike shoe.
D.O.A's MESSAGE TO 9JA AND TORONTO YOUTH
"Honestly, I’d say the same thing to both of them: keep going. Stay focused on yourself, don’t get distracted by what’s happening to the left or right. Keep your eyes on your priorities; they’re what will keep you grounded. Above all, block out the noise. With how chaotic the world is right now, it’s crucial to stay rooted in what you believe and trust the path you're on. Remember, everyone moves at their own pace. Some people might be shining now, but that doesn’t mean
your moment won’t come. Just don’t stop. Keep going. Be sure to keep God close through it all, and the rest will follow."
-Didun Akinyelure
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