FEATURE:
Spotlight
Donna Dafi
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I am spending some time…
with the music of the tremendous Donna Dafi. There are some interviews I want to get to. I am starting out with Mystic Sons and their conversation from January. Speaking about her single, Primadonna, we learn more about this incredible artist:
“Shaped by her German, Nigerian, and Albanian heritage, and backed by a master’s degree in architecture, Donna weaves emotion, elegance, and empowerment into every line she sings.
At the heart of 'Primadonna' lies a tension many know well: the high of new affection and the fear of losing yourself in it. With cinematic production and vocals that balance vulnerability with strength, the track is a hypnotic blend of modern power-pop, soul-infused textures, and uncompromising honesty.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
I grew up listening to a lot of pop and R&B, with artists like Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, Sade, Beyoncé, Rihanna, and Toni Braxton. At the same time, my mum introduced me to a lot of Afro and soul artists like Fela Kuti and Erykah Badu, which really shaped my taste.
What was the first album you remember owning?
Probably Bad by Michael Jackson. I remember being completely obsessed with it and playing it over and over.
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
“I Wanna Dance with Somebody” by Whitney Houston. It’s timeless, emotional and joyful all at once, perfect songwriting.
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
I like to start by talking, sharing stories, feelings or moments from life. Once the conversation feels honest, the music usually follows. I also love late night sessions when things feel more intimate and unfiltered.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
I’m always revisiting classics but I also love discovering new artists. I’ve been listening to a mix of old-school R&B and pop, it really depends on my mood.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
Beyoncé. She’s fearless, iconic and constantly evolving. Opening for her would be surreal.
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
Connecting with people. Knowing that a song you wrote can help someone feel understood or empowered is incredibly special.
And what is the most frustrating part?
The waiting. So much of this industry is out of your control and patience is something you constantly have to learn.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
Stay true to yourself. Trends come and go but authenticity is what lasts”.
One of her newest singles is ManGo. Metal Magazine shared their impressions on a song from an artist who very much has her own voice and vibe. Such a distinct and strong voice in Pop music, I cannot wait to see where her career takes her, as Dafi is an absolutely wonderful songwriter:
“There’s a lightness to the song that makes everything hit harder. ManGo never forces emotion into huge dramatic moments, even though the idea behind it is deeply personal. Donna moves through the track with a calm kind of confidence, letting the groove carry the tension naturally while the lyrics slowly reveal what’s really sitting underneath it.
As Donna explains herself: “ManGo is about seeing through charm and manipulation — that moment when you fully realise your worth and decide you’re no longer playing along. There’s a playful twist to it: I was always being called sweet, compared to sugar, even to a mango... his favourite fruit. But instead of falling for it again, I flipped it. I took the word he used for me and turned it into my power.”
Born in Stuttgart with German, Nigerian and Albanian roots, Donna has been slowly building her world over the last few years through releases that blend early-2000s pop energy with more current R&B and rhythm-led influences. There’s something very direct about the way she writes. Even when the songs lean sensual or playful, there’s usually a sharper emotional layer underneath them.
Barcelona also seems to have become part of Donna’s universe. Much of her recent music has been recorded there, including the ManGo music video. Alongside the single, she also shared small behind-the-scenes moments from the shoot: kitchen spaces turned into improvised film sets, glam teams rushing between takes, long hours running on adrenaline, and, as she puts it herself, “a full room of amazing people trying to make movie magic happen.”
I am new to Donna Dafi. I am not sure whether she has any gigs coming up. There are a lot of people in the U.K. who would love to see her perform. Such a respected and accomplished songwriter, I do hope that she comes to see us at some point. This year has been quite a busy one for Donna Dafi. In another interview around Primadonna, we do get even more insight into Dafi. Someone I am a big fan of. Stanisland Magazine caught up with her in February:
“You have a master’s in architecture. Do you bring anything from that into your music?
“Absolutely. Architecture taught me structure, balance and how emotion lives in space. I think about songs the same way… tension, release, flow. PrimaDonna is very intentional: the intro sets the scene, the verses build the illusion and the chorus is where the truth stands tall. Just like a building.”
In 2026, the music scene is tough with algorithms in the way. How do you stay connected to your fans?
“I stay human. Algorithms don’t feel, people do. I share moments, not just content… the process, the doubts, the excitement. If someone sees themselves in the story, the connection lasts longer than any trend.”
There’s a lot of power dynamics in the Prima Donna video. How long was the visual concept in the works?
“Almost as long as the song itself. The visuals were never about glamour for the sake of it, they’re about contrast. Luxury versus control. Attention versus autonomy. The power shifts quietly throughout and by the end, you know exactly who’s in charge.
It was really fun to work on and I had the best team by my side, which I’m incredibly thankful for. And I can already share that we’re working on the next on, so stay tuned.”
Who are the people behind your music you’re most thankful for, and why?
“The people who let me evolve. My amazing team, who truly listen to my story, see who I am and help turn that into something special. My friends, who always tell me the truth. My family, I’m endlessly thankful for their love and support and for doing this journey with me.
I’m also grateful for collaborators who don’t try to polish the edges off me and for the women around me who remind me who I am when the world gets loud. And of course, YOU! All the beautiful people out there showing me so much love. That support is everything!”
How long did it take to hit your stride before things started to take off?
“Longer than most people think. There’s a lot of invisible work before momentum shows. The entire project, with all the songs, feels like the first moment where everything truly came together…my voice, my confidence, my perspective.”
It’s only the start of the year and you’ve hit the ground running. What can we expect from you in the next 11 months?
“This is just the beginning. More music, more stories, more visuals and going on tour. Everything is expanding the world of PrimaDonna, and I’m excited to keep evolving and sharing what’s coming next”.
Donna Dafi has released some incredible singles since Primadonna. Trouble is her most recent. I do want to end with another interview from earlier in the year, as I cannot find any later ones. If you are new to Donna Dafi then do make sure that you follow her, as she is definitely going places:
“We love your brand of ‘power pop’, who inspires you?
I’m inspired by strong women who own their narrative, artists who balance confidence with emotional honesty. I love music that feels powerful but still very human and I’m deeply inspired by real-life experiences and conversations.
What was the exact emotional moment or experience that sparked the song?
The song came from a very specific experience of being swept into someone else’s world, the glamour, the attention, the fantasy and slowly realizing it wasn’t really about me at all. It was that moment of clarity where you step back and choose yourself.
When you’re writing, do lyrics or melody usually come first for you?
For me, it usually starts with a feeling and a melody. Once I understand the emotion, the lyrics almost write themselves. Prima Donna was very story-driven. The words mattered just as much as the mood.
How do your multicultural roots shape your musical instincts or sonic choices?
Growing up between cultures has taught me contrast. My mother is Nigerian-German and my father is Kosovar Albanian, so I grew up with both softness and strength, intimacy and boldness. That duality naturally shows up in my music, especially in rhythm, emotion and storytelling.
What do you think defines “modern pop” in 2026?
Modern pop is about authenticity. It’s confident, genre-fluid and personal. It’s less about perfection and more about perspective, creating something that feels real but still elevated”.
I am going to finish here. There is no doubt that Donna Dafi is autunitic and herself. Not trying to be another artist. That comes through in her music. A big reason why it has resonated with so many people. With a strong of amazing singles under her belt, I guess there will be that demands for an E.P. or album at some point. I am sure that will happen, but for now, enjoy these incredible tracks Dafi is offering up. She is an artist that you…
TRULY cannot live without.
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