California–based Nigerian singer, songwriter, and performer Donna Adja has recorded a major career milestone after winning three awards at the Gbedu Awards 2025, affirming her position as one of the most versatile and performance-driven female artists in today’s Afrobeats landscape.
The Gbedu Awards, organised by MorrisShinehead Ent. Worldwide in partnership with Labour Research and Training Services, and founded by executive producer MC Morris, are a growing platform dedicated to celebrating excellence across music, performance, media, and entertainment. The 2025 edition of the awards held on December 28, 2025, brought together artists, industry figures, and cultural stakeholders in a showcase of Nigerian and diaspora talent.
Although Donna Adja was unable to attend the main awards night due to prior commitments, she was officially presented with her awards on January 10, 2026, during a dedicated welcome and presentation event organised by the awards body in collaboration with UNILAG FM — reinforcing the legitimacy and recognition of her wins.
A Triple Win That Reflects Depth and Range :
At the Gbedu Awards 2025, Donna Adja emerged victorious in the following categories:
1. Best Stage Act (Female)
2. Most Creative Female Artiste of the Year
3. Nigeria’s Best Female Artiste in the Diaspora
The three awards collectively highlight her commanding live presence, creative originality, and her growing influence as a Nigerian artist successfully navigating global stages.
A Performer Forged on Live Stages :
Donna Adja’s journey into music began early, with church performances in Delta State shaping her vocal discipline and stage confidence from the age of 15. By 22, she had committed fully to music as a profession, collaborating as a featured vocalist with established Nigerian artists including Solid Star, Harrysong, Dezign, and others.
Her reputation as a live performer reached a defining phase when she formed and led a 14-piece live band, Daz Entertainment, which served as the in-house band at Sheraton Lagos Hotel. Performing up to five nights a week over several years, Donna built a reputation for consistency, stamina, and audience connection. During this period, she performed for two Nigerian presidents and delivered solo performances across the United Kingdom, Dubai, and Australia — credentials that strongly underpin her Best Stage Act (Female) win.
Creative Identity Beyond The Stage :
Beyond performance, Donna Adja’s artistry has been marked by stylistic freedom and sonic range. Singles such as “Shut Up” and “Gaga” gained notable radio traction in Nigeria, while “I Like Your Body” surpassed one million views on YouTube, extending her reach beyond local markets.
Now operating under the professional representation of Arems Entertainment, which oversees her bookings, engagements, and industry relations, Donna has entered a more structured phase of her career — sharpening both her creative output and long-term positioning. This evolution was recognised with her win as Most Creative Female Artiste of the Year.
A Strong Diaspora Presence :
Relocating to the United States did not dilute Donna’s artistic identity; instead, it expanded it. Her music continues to blend Afrobeats, Afropop, R&B, and soul, reflecting both her African roots and global environment. This balance has made her a visible voice for Nigerian music abroad, earning her the Nigeria’s Best Female Artiste in the Diaspora award — a recognition of cultural representation as much as musical impact.
What’s Next :
Fresh off her triple win at the Gbedu Awards 2025, Donna Adja is maintaining momentum with plans to shoot the official music video for her latest trending single, “No Forks Trap,” next week. The record, part of her ongoing No Forks creative run, captures her street-leaning confidence and performance energy — elements that have become central to her brand.
With a growing catalogue, renewed industry structure, and visual rollouts aligned with her sound, Donna Adja’s Gbedu Awards sweep stands as more than celebration. It marks a clear signal of an artist stepping decisively into her most visible, focused, and impactful chapter yet.
