Drizilik

Benjamin Menelik George (born April 1994), known professionally as Drizilik, is a Sierra Leonean rapper, singer and songwriter from Freetown.

Drizilik
Birth nameBenjamin Menelik George[1]
Also known as
  • Benji
  • Drizla
BornApril 1994 (1994-04) (age 26)
Freetown, Sierra Leone
Genres
Occupation(s)
  • Rapper
  • singer
  • songwriter
Years active2015–present
LabelsShukubly Inc.
Associated acts

Early life

Benjamin Menelik George was born in Freetown and grew up in the Soja Tong neighbourhood. As a child, George would play football and bare-hand tennis with friends.[2] Growing up, he would listen to hip hop and R&B music. His mother used to travel to Europe a lot and would bring back Craig David and 50 Cent albums that he would listen to.[2]

Music career

George began rapping in English but now raps in Krio in order to engage with his immediate Sierra Leonean audience.[2]

He blends the genres of hip hop, afrobeat and indigenous "bubu" sound.[1] He originally rose to fame in Sierra Leone in 2015 after the release of his single "Pop Collar".[1] Drizilik also performed at the first ever TED talk event in Sierra Leone, the TEDx Youth @ Kingtom. In 2018, he was named one of the 50 most influential young Sierra Leoneans. In 2019, he headlined the Freetown Music Festival.[1]

In 2020, George connected with English grime MC Big Zuu, who is of Sierra Leonean heritage, to release the track "Move Right".[3][4]

Discography

Albums
  • Shukubly (2018)

References
  1. "Drizilik". Spotify.
  2. Yusuf, Courtney (12 September 2019). "Skin Deep meets rising Sierra Leonean rap star Drizilik". Skin Deep.
  3. "Big Zuu Connects With Drizilik In Sierra Leone For New Track "Move Right"". Complex.com. 25 June 2020.
  4. "BIG ZUU HEADS TO SIERRA LEONE IN "MOVE RIGHT" VISUALS FEATURING DRIZILIK". GRM Daily. 22 June 2020.
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