Manchester rapper and poet OneDa is on the rise with the release of her debut album, 'Formula OneDa', later this year. Preceding the album, she drops the video for her recently released fourth single, 'Let Me In’ via the legendary Heavenly label.
“'Let Me In' is a metaphor for being accepted into the industry as I am,” OneDa explains. “It speaks to my relentless, consistent efforts to break through until the door finally opens."
OneDa is quickly solidifying her place as one of the UK's most dynamic rap artists with music that transcends genres, blending rap, drum and bass, afro-trap and afrobeats, reflecting her Nigerian heritage and Manchester roots.
Beyond her music, OneDa is dedicated to community initiatives, leading hip-hop therapy for Manchester youth and championing projects like Herchester, which amplifies marginalised voices in music.
Citing 'empowerment' as her greatest inspiration, OneDa channels her journey to accept her queerness into her music, promoting self-love and freedom: “When you truly love yourself, that overpowers anyone else’s opinion.”
Although she began producing music just two years ago, her debut album showcases her mastery across multiple genres and collaborations with artists like Sam Binga, Songer, Devilman, and Mr. Scruff highlight her versatility.
On her 10 Best for DMY OneDa says: "I wanted to highlight 10 incredible artists who are making their mark on Manchester's music scene in their own unique ways. These artists are all at different stages of their career, from varying genres, that bring a different vibe."
1. PRIDO - 'Trouble in Paradise’
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OneDa: "PRIDO is a very exciting artist mixing grime, hip-hop, afro vibes and creating a madness. Each track that he drops has a great uplifting vibe, that you can’t help but feel, I had to have him on my list."
2. LayFullstop - Did I Stutter
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"LayFullstop delivers her unique take on hip-hop blending soulful melodies and playful, thought inspiring lyricism, constantly creating and inspiring. Her music is a bop!"
3. Lady Ice - Mannycorn
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"Lady Ice represents Manchester to the fullest and is a female rapper that has been consistently making moves on the scene, great lyricism and flows."
4. Rahika - Feminine Boppin’
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"Rahika is a new school rapper not long in the game, only a year in but she brings fire and an unmatched energy and hunger. Her lyrics and delivery really set her aside and she is ‘one to watch’ in the upcoming years for sure."
5. Princethekid - ‘Cloak & Dagger’
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"Princethekid is the African powerhouse that stomps through the scene creating his own unique soundtrack. Captivating and menacing at the same time, creating music that will make you feel like breaking or creating something on any given day."
6. Superlative - The Wave
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"Corey Brown, a.k.a Superlative, is a UK-based beat-maker, producer, songwriter, and rapper whose music defies genre boundaries. Known for his "SPR" ethos, Superlative inspires listeners from all walks of life with his barrier-breaking artistry."
7. Chie Badd - switching sides (freestyle)
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"Chie Badd is a new female rapper carving out her own lane, with an American influence matched with a Manchester way of life and a Nigerian mindset she is definitely not one to play with. Her word play is playful yet hard hitting. She’s defo making her mark on the Manchester scene and beyond."
8. Medulla ft The Mouse Outfit - Limbo
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"Medulla's a soft spoken female rapper that packs punchlines and poetry that mould her unique sound of hip hop and jazz influences."
9. Slay, Sigma - Kenny
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"Slay is a grime and drum and bass artist that has made waves in the scene lately and has worked with some of the biggest names in drum and bass so far, setting the bar for the scene and continuing to raise levels."
10. Ace Clvrk - Moments (Live At Marshall Studios)
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"Ace Clvrk has a voice that can put angels to shame, such a precise tone and delivery, with a sound that is very much his own. He continues to push his sound and his voice to the world and will no doubt be a big name in the industry in years to come."
Watch the video to OneDa's new single 'Let Me In' below.
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