With an unapologetically vulnerable demeanour, donell captivates the essence of soulful Hip-Hop, weaving his narrative in the vibrant rap scene of Wellington. Born and raised in Lower Hutt, New Zealand, he draws inspiration from the rich storytelling tradition of his Sāmoan ancestors.
Rooted in the authentic roots of Hip-Hop, donell’s journey began with freestyle cyphers and battling classmates, crafting his skills with an innate ability to seamlessly switch flows and paint vivid stories with eloquent imagery. His artistic aura carries a refreshing vintage charm, reminiscent of the trailblazers who paved the path before him.
Since late 2017, donell has been one half of the NZ rap duo Donbizzy alongside Shaebaby, releasing multiple mixtapes as part of the You Can’t Beat UnderWelly on a Good Day series. From 2022, donell switched his focus to creating and releasing solo music which saw releases Hall of Fame and Fatal Attraction. He now shifts his focus to his debut EP, divine timing.
Inspired by the artistry of Westside Gunn, Tyler, The Creator, and J. Cole, donell takes pride in curating lush and expansive productions to embed his allegorical narratives. Collaborations with talents like Shaebaby and Noé have paved the way for a growing catalogue, inviting listeners to relish his music as if freshly released.
donell brings you into the era of divine timing, a space where nothing is rushed. The past and future no longer exist but somehow are the driving factors of this present moment. The music that is birthed out of this experience should reflect that realisation, an acknowledgement of everything that led to this moment as well as preparation in the now, for what is to come.
