Author: grungecake

Fresh from the vibrant rhythms of Port Harcourt, Dima steps into the spotlight with a story as rich and dynamic as his sound. Born and raised amid the pulsing energy of his hometown’s music scene—where legends like Timaya and Burna Boy shaped his ear for infectious hooks and soulful storytelling—he has honed a style that marries Dancehall swagger with Afrobeats finesse. In this candid conversation, Dima opens up about the deeply personal choice to adopt his family name, a tribute to his late father and a declaration that “change has come” for his career and legacy.

We delve into the creative partnerships that fuel his art, his lofty ambition to become Africa’s biggest musical export, and the unwavering faith and family ties that keep him grounded through the highs and lows of independent artistry. From the challenges of modest beginnings to his plans for global tours and reinventions, Dima reveals the passion that drives every note he records. Join us as he maps out where he’ll be this time next year—on stages around the world—and why, through resilience and reinvention, he’s destined to leave an indelible mark on the global music landscape.

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Richardine: As a young artist from Port Hartcourt, you could have quite a list of local musical heroes, and who you probably find inspirational. Who are your top five Port Harcourt musical artists? Do any of them influence you? If so, explain how.

Dima:
Timaya
Rex Lawson
Duncan mighty
Burna Boy
Korkormikor

Burna Boy and Timaya, in particular, both influenced my sound greatly. Growing up, I listened to Timaya a lot. His style of making music resonated with me deeply because I already had deep love for Dancehall music as a child. His pattern of adding his native dialect in his songs is something I also adopted into my own style. The simplicity of his lyrics yet thought provoking is also another skill I learnt from him.

Burna Boy’s pattern of story telling in his songs is something I really admired. I learnt that from him. Also, his ability to be versatile and musically creative in his craft is another skill I adopted from him.

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Richardine: It looks like you’ve had a name change. Are there any particular reasons you changed it from “Suss” to “Dima”? What does “Dima” mean or translate to?

Dima: Dima is my surname. My father recently passed. His demise came with a new sense of purpose and responsibility for me. It’s my way of honouring him and letting the world know that his legacy now lives through my music. Dima means “change has come”.

Richardine: Do you work with the same producer for most of your music?

Dima: I work with multiple producers… except I’m working on a project. That’s when I lock in with a particular producer.

Richardine: I listened to your song ‘In My Soul’ and it made me ask, how far are you planning to go with your music? Do you see yourself as a national treasure or a global superstar? How do you plan to get there and maintain your stay as a competitor?

Dima: I plan to take my music to the greatest heights globally. My intent is to be the biggest African music export ever. How I plan to do that is to continue making the best quality of music that would not only entertain listeners, but give an impact that would last for eternity. My music would give life to everyone that listens. How I plan to stay up when I get there is to be forever consistent, ever ready to rebrand and re-invent my sound as the journey transcends.

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Richardine: How do you remain positive?

Dima: My faith in God and my family.

Richardine: What made you pick music as a profession, and makes you continue to choose music?

Dima: Music has always been my passion right from when I was a kid. I grew up around deep lovers of music. My father and siblings introduced me to different sounds. I always used to see myself as a superstar growing. Music is everything to me. It’s become a part of me. Doing this as a full time career, is me, living my dreams. I can’t see myself doing anything else as good as music. Having new experiences as a musician and getting to witness how every chapter of the journey unfolds, is what fuels me to keep going.

Richardine: Would you say you are well-known in your community as a musician?

Dima: Yes, I’m well known in my community as a musician.

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Richardine: What has been the hardest part about pursuing music as a career so far? How did you overcome it?

Dima: The challenges of being an independent artist, with little or no resources most times. I overcome every challenge by being resilient, with the help of my team, and the community I stay elevating to greater heights.

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Richardine: Where will you be this time next year, geographically and professionally?

Dima: I see myself in a totally different space, touring and sharing my music with fans all over the world. I see myself on a global scale.

Richardine: Any questions for me?

Dima: No questions.