Zerry DL is a Nigerian rapper and singer born Divine Uzama on 4 December 2002 in Benin City, Edo State. He is the younger brother of Afrobeats singer Shallipopi and gained major recognition in 2023 through his single Puff and Pass.
Who Is Zerry DL?
Zerry DL is a Nigerian rapper, singer, and songwriter recognized as one of the leading voices behind Beninpiano, an Amapiano-influenced sound emerging from Benin City. He is signed to Plutomania Records, the label founded by his elder brother, Shallipopi.
He is part of the Uzama household, a family of musicians that includes Shallipopi and his younger brother, Famous Pluto, also a singer.
What Is Zerry DL’s Real Name and Background?
Zerry DL’s real name is Divine Uzama. He was born on 4 December 2002 in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. He was raised by his parents alongside his brothers, Shallipopi and Famous Pluto, within the same household.
| Bio Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Real name | Divine Uzama |
| Stage name | Zerrydl, Zerry DL |
| Date of birth | 4 December 2002 |
| Birthplace | Benin City, Edo State |
| Nationality | Nigerian |
| Genres | Afrobeats, Amapiano, Beninpiano |
| Occupation | Rapper, singer, songwriter |
| Years active | 2015 to present |
| Record label | Plutomania Records |
| Older brother | Shallipopi |
| Younger brother | Famous Pluto |
How Did Zerry DL Start His Music Career?
Zerry DL began writing bars during primary school and started recording music on his phone because he could not afford studio sessions. By age 11, he was freestyling over beats his brother downloaded from local websites in Benin City.
He began sharing freestyles on social media in 2015, marking the start of his public music career. By high school, his hobby had developed into a small music group with friends, even as family expectations pushed him toward pursuing medicine.
What Led to Zerry DL’s Breakthrough?
Zerry DL’s breakthrough arrived at a crossroads between pursuing university admission and committing fully to music. He chose music and signed with Plutomania Records, the label founded by his elder brother, Shallipopi.
His major recognition came in 2023 following the release of Puff and Pass, which marked his first entry on the TurnTable Top 100 chart. The track gained notoriety on social media and was later remixed with Shallipopi.
What Music Has Zerry DL Released?
Zerry DL’s discography includes 3 major projects and multiple singles since his 2023 breakthrough.
His debut EP, Danger Zee, released in 2023, included the tracks Popo and Pressure alongside Puff and Pass.
His follow-up EP, Wara Wara Szn, released in 2024, opened with the single O.U.A.T. and featured collaborations with Seyi Vibez on the track Cash, and with Tega Boi DC and Dwillsharmony on the track Nawa.
His single Back to Back marked his first appearance on the Billboard charts, reaching number 44 on the American Afrobeats chart.
What Is Zerry DL’s Most Recent Work?
Zerry DL released the single My Amigo, a track exploring themes of friendship, fame, and betrayal, built over a melodic and bouncy production style. The single reflects his continued focus on storytelling within his music.
What Genre Is Zerry DL Known For?
Zerry DL is recognized as a key figure in the development of Beninpiano, a genre that fuses Amapiano production with pop sensibilities, rooted in Benin City’s music scene. This sound has become a defining soundtrack within Nigerian nightlife culture.
What Awards Has Zerry DL Received?
Zerry DL received the Rookie of the Year award at the Headies, one of Nigeria’s most prominent music award ceremonies. This recognition confirmed his status as one of Nigeria’s most prolific emerging rappers and storytelling hitmakers since his 2023 breakthrough.
What Is Zerry DL’s Family Background in Music?
Zerry DL is part of a musical family from Benin City known as the Uzama household. His family includes 3 recognized artists:
- Shallipopi, his older brother and an established Afrobeats singer, who also founded Plutomania Records
- Zerry DL himself, a rapper and singer signed to Plutomania Records
- Famous Pluto, his younger brother, also a singer within the same music circle
This family dynamic has positioned the Uzama household as a significant creative force within Benin City’s contemporary music scene.
Why Is Zerry DL Significant in Nigerian Music?
Zerry DL holds significance in Nigerian music for 3 reasons:
- He represents a new generation of Benin City-based artists driving the Beninpiano sound into mainstream Nigerian and international audiences
- His Billboard chart entry with Back to Back demonstrated his crossover appeal beyond the Nigerian domestic market
- His rise alongside his brothers highlights a growing trend of family-based music collectives shaping Nigeria’s Afrobeats and Amapiano-influenced scene
Sources: Wikipedia, The Guardian Nigeria, Qobuz, Culture Custodian.