Widely recognized as the king of new school music, Drizilik (Benjamin Menelik George) is an award-winning rapper and singer representing the Sierra Leone music scene on the global stage. Known for his wide range of songs, from politically conscious hits to party anthems, Drizilik’s catalog includes two albums, four mixtapes, and numerous singles. Across all of his projects, his purpose has remained the same: Drizilik wants to change how musicians are perceived in Sierra Leone and showcase the country’s creativity to the world.
Drizilik was born in 1994 to Krio parents living in the working-class neighborhood of Wellington Street, Freetown. When the music industry transitioned from physical records to more readily accessible digital streaming, Drizilik quickly became immersed in the world of hip hop. He became such a big fan of Canadian rapper Drake that he was nicknamed “Driz” by his friends for his love of Drizzy. Today, Drizilik pays homage to this time in his life with his stage name which combines “Driz” with his middle name Menelik.
Inspired by Drake, Drizilik eventually began writing his own raps that incorporate Krio rhymes, traditional Bubu music, and lyrics that honor the local culture of Freetown. By watching YouTube tutorials, he learned how to produce songs using the programs on his friend’s laptop. Soon, he was performing at amateur nights in clubs across Freetown and getting opportunities to perform on a wider stage: the Ballanta Academy of Music. Though his family did not initially believe that making music was a reputable career, Drizilik continued to hone his craft. Now, he is one of the strongest young voices coming out of Sierra Leone, sharing the beauty and the struggles of his home country with the world.
In one of his most recent tracks titled “Bad Padi,” Drizilik looks back on his journey of rising stardom to celebrate his progress as a young artist while lamenting the friends he’s lost along the way. “Bad Padi,” which translates to “bad friend” in Krio, sees Drizilik discussing jealousy, betrayal, and the way that the money and fame that have come with his success have complicated his relationships. Though he values friendship, this era of his career has found him thinking twice about the people he keeps in his circle and marks a significant tone shift in his music.
Listen to Drizilik’s “Bad Padi” and more on:
Soundcloud / Spotify / Youtube
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