Meet London-born UK Open Mic performer Dija Zilla:

Hi Dija Zilla, thanks for joining us! Let’s get into it:

Do you play solo only, or also in a group?

Solo

How old are you?

31

Where were you born?

London

Where did you grow up?

Luton

How did that place influence your music? (if at all!)

It didn’t. My mum did.

Where are you based now, and why?

Dunstable

What got you into making music in the first place?

My mum, and my general love for music.

What instrument/s do you play?

Singing
Rapping

Who would be in your top 10 musical influences, and why?

Tyrese – Like Tank, he has a strong, soulful voice and blends classic and contemporary R&B.
Trey Songz – His style is a mix of smooth vocals and hip-hop-influenced R&B, much like Chris Brown.
Ne-Yo – A great songwriter with a blend of pop-infused R&B, perfect for fans of Chris Brown’s more melodic side.
Donell Jones – Shares a similar storytelling approach to Joe, with heartfelt lyrics and smooth instrumentals.
Mario – Has a strong, expressive voice that fits into the style of Tank and Chris Brown.
August Alsina – Brings a mix of Chris Brown’s swag and Tank’s vocal depth.
Usher – An obvious classic, bridging the gap between old-school and modern R&B.
Bryson Tiller – Adds a fresh trap-soul element to the R&B style
J. Cole – While more rap-focused, his storytelling and occasional melodic elements could appeal to me.
Ty Dolla $ign – Has strong vocal abilities but also integrates a hip-hop feel into his music.

Do you write your own songs?

Yes

How many years have you been writing songs for?

5

What process, or processes, do you often find yourself using when you write songs?

I don’t have a strict formula for writing songs, but I find myself using a mix of different processes depending on the vibe I’m going for.

Beat First Approach – Most of the time, I start by listening to instrumentals or playing around with melodies. If a beat speaks to me, I freestyle some flows or hum melodies before locking in the lyrics.

Concept-Driven Writing – Sometimes, I come up with a theme or emotion I want to express first. If something’s been on my mind—whether personal experiences, relationships, or social topics—I write around that idea before finding the right beat to match.

Freestyle and Refinement – I often record rough freestyle takes to capture raw emotion, then go back and refine the lyrics. This helps me keep the energy natural without overthinking the first draft.

Lyrics First – Occasionally, I jot down lines, punchlines, or hooks whenever inspiration strikes, even if I don’t have a beat yet. When I’m ready to create, I revisit those notes and build a song around them.

Mixing and Experimentation – Since I mix and master my own work, I often tweak my vocal delivery and effects as I go, which sometimes shapes the final feel of the song.

Right now, I’m still experimenting with different styles and refining my sound, but the goal is always to create music that feels real and connects with people.

How long have you been playing open mic nights?

0

Why did you get into playing them in the first place?

I haven’t had the courage. This is my first attempt

If it’s not already, are you hoping to make music your full-time career?

Yes

What do you currently find the hardest and biggest obstacles to moving your music career forward?

Nerves, and knowing where and how to start.

What’s the one truth about you that people often find surprising?

That I can actually sing and rap

What’s the most exciting project you’re working on at the moment?

Nothing at the moment, though I do try and upload a cover of some of my favourite songs once or so per month.

Do you have your own music video, channel or playlist you’d like to share?

https://www.youtube.com/@DIJA-Zillauk

Where is the main place should people go to find out more about you?

@dijazilla

What other sites/profiles should people go to to find out more about you?

www.instagram.com/dija_zillauk/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">www.instagram.com/dija_zillauk/
www.tiktok.com/@dijazilla?lang=en" target="_blank" rel="noopener">www.tiktok.com/@dijazilla?lang=en

www.youtube.com/@DIJA-Zillauk" target="_blank" rel="noopener">www.youtube.com/@DIJA-Zillauk

We’re done! Anything else you want to share before we go?

No thanks!