Kenyan singer and songwriter Dyana Cods, also known as Bad Girl Riri, is challenging the status quo. Known for her hit song Set It and a persona that exudes confidence and edge, Dyana recently shared her unconventional views on relationships, dowry, and what she looks for in a future husband. In a candid interview with Radio Maisha on September 24, 2024, Dyana revealed that she has no plans to follow the traditional path of dowry, and instead, she values love, loyalty, and intelligence above all else. Her openness on these topics has sparked conversation and reflection on societal expectations regarding relationships and marriage in modern Kenya.
Breaking the Dowry Tradition
The dowry, or mahari, has been a longstanding cultural tradition in many African societies, particularly in Kenya, where it is seen as a token of appreciation to the bride’s family. But Dyana Cods is not interested in upholding this practice. Speaking about her perspective, she firmly stated that she doesn’t require dowry from any man who wants to marry her.
“I won’t ask for dowry. If I have refused, why would my parents ask for it? Watauliza nini?” she said with a laugh, reflecting her defiance of what many may see as a rite of passage for marriage.
For Dyana, the decision to forgo dowry is rooted in her desire for authenticity in a relationship. She emphasized that material wealth, including dowry, is not what matters to her. “Like I said, I don’t have high standards. My levels ziko chini; I don’t ask for money, I don’t ask for dowry. All I ask for is loyalty, love, and intelligence, which is very important—number one,” she shared.
By opting out of the dowry tradition, Dyana is positioning herself as a progressive voice in a society that often expects women to conform to certain norms. Her stance also opens up discussions on how these cultural practices are evolving and how modern Kenyan women are redefining their roles within relationships and marriage.
Why She’s Still Single: Men Have “Fallen Off”
Despite her fame and success, Dyana remains single—a status she openly discussed during her interview. But why isn’t she dating? The answer, she says, lies in the current dating pool.
“Nyinyi wanaume mmeangusha game. Levels haziko juu, hamjafika hiyo level. Hata sijawahi fika juu sana,” Dyana remarked bluntly, calling out what she perceives as the lowered standards among men in the dating scene. She further explained that her expectations aren’t even that high, which makes the situation even more disappointing for her.
While Dyana doesn’t seek material wealth or extravagant gestures, her requirements of loyalty, love, and intelligence seem elusive in her experiences with men. Her frustration speaks to a broader sentiment among many women who feel that finding a partner who aligns with their values and emotional needs is becoming increasingly difficult.
By voicing her discontent with the current state of relationships, Dyana is not only sharing her personal experiences but also resonating with other women who might feel the same way. Her candidness about what she wants in a relationship is refreshing in an industry—and a society—that often shies away from such honesty.
Embracing Her “Bad Girl” Image
Dyana Cods has built her career on a persona that she describes as Bad Girl Riri. This image, while provocative, is carefully crafted and serves a purpose in her music career. “Wherever I go, people expect to meet that bad girl image. But nimetulia, sina mambo,” Dyana said, clarifying that her off-stage persona is much more grounded than the one fans see in the media.
“In real life, nimetulia, sina neno. That is an image only for the camera. That is for entertainment purposes. The image of a good girl doesn’t sell as much as the bad girl image does,” she explained.
Dyana’s comments reflect a keen understanding of the music industry and the type of branding that works for an artist like her. She acknowledges that, while society often praises good behavior and character, the reality on the ground is that audiences gravitate toward a certain level of edginess and rebellion. This is a common trend in the entertainment world, where artists frequently adopt alter egos or personas that may be more extreme than their true selves.
For Dyana, the Bad Girl Riri image is a tool that helps her stand out in a crowded industry, allowing her to be both relatable and aspirational to her fans. However, she is careful to separate this image from her real-life personality, emphasizing that her on-stage persona is a performance rather than a reflection of who she truly is.
Aiming for Success: “I’m Aiming for Billions”
While Dyana Cods may have no interest in demanding dowry or material wealth from a partner, she has no qualms about her own ambitions. During the interview, she made it clear that she is aiming for massive success—specifically, to become a billionaire.
“Basically, coz me unajua goals zangu in life ziko tu high. I am aiming for billions,” she stated confidently.
This ambitious mindset is a testament to Dyana’s drive and determination to succeed, both in her music career and in life. Her focus on long-term goals rather than short-term gains reflects a shift in the way women, particularly in the entertainment industry, are approaching success. For Dyana, financial independence and personal growth are at the forefront of her priorities, and she isn’t afraid to pursue them relentlessly.
Interestingly, Dyana also expressed her willingness to support her future husband’s lifestyle, despite her high ambitions. “I can’t blame you if you are not at that level. Nitakupokea ulivyo, bora ni mzuri,” she added, demonstrating her pragmatic and supportive nature when it comes to relationships.
The Journey of Music and “Set It” Success
Dyana’s music career has been nothing short of remarkable. Over the past five years, she has managed to carve out a niche for herself in the Kenyan music scene, thanks in large part to her hit song Set It. The track has resonated with fans across the country and beyond, cementing her place as one of Kenya’s rising stars.
“I can’t complain, coz there are those with difficult journeys. I have had support, and I really appreciate the support from Kenyans and other artists,” Dyana said of her musical journey.
Her humility and gratitude towards her fans and fellow musicians are evident in how she speaks about her career. Despite the challenges that many artists face, Dyana recognizes the importance of having a strong support system, and she is thankful for the opportunities that have come her way.
Set It has opened doors for her in ways she never imagined. “It has given me so many opportunities. I get calls from the most unexpected places. I never knew it would be like this,” she shared.
This success is a testament to Dyana’s talent, hard work, and ability to connect with her audience. As she continues to make waves in the music industry, it’s clear that her journey is far from over. With her sights set on even greater achievements, there is no doubt that Dyana Cods is a force to be reckoned with—both in music and in life.
Redefining Success and Love
Dyana Cods’ views on love, dowry, and success are a breath of fresh air in a world where cultural expectations often dictate the terms of relationships. By rejecting the dowry tradition and focusing on qualities like loyalty, love, and intelligence, Dyana is challenging the conventional narrative of what it means to be in a relationship.
At the same time, her ambitious drive to become a billionaire and her unapologetic embrace of her Bad Girl Riri persona show that she is not afraid to carve her own path. Whether in love or in life, Dyana Cods is setting her own terms—and in doing so, she’s inspiring others to do the same.
