Derant Suh aka Diri45
By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo
Derant Suh, known in the music industry as Diri45, hails from Bafut in Cameroon’s Northwest Region but was born in Muyuka, located in the Southwest Region. As the founder of 45 Records, Diri45 is dedicated to nurturing emerging musical talent.
A lifelong music enthusiast, Diri45 recorded his first studio tracks at age 12 but stepped away from his dream due to life’s challenges. Years later, fueled by a renewed passion and resources, he returned to music—not only for himself but to help others realise their dreams and ensure that hidden talents do not fade away.
“Our mission is clear: we are committed to nurturing raw talent,” Diri45 said. “We don’t go for ready-made artists. We seek out those who can’t afford studio sessions, and we build them up until they are ready to be seen by the world.”
Despite the high costs of promotions, video production, and collaborations in Cameroon’s music industry—with little immediate financial return—Diri45 remains driven by his love for the culture. “We want to take Cameroonian music across borders. We’ve been enclosed for too long and now we will be heard worldwide,” he stated.
Under 45 Records, Diri45 has launched impactful projects, including “Coup D’état,” featuring Yung Time and Tahbax, which was the label’s inaugural release. The second project, “Rise,” also features Yung Time and Tahbax, while the third, “Juju,” includes artists Chefor and Tahbax.
Upcoming solo projects from Sneh Dem, Diri45’s first signed artist who appeared on “Rise,” are also in the pipeline, as he is poised to step into the spotlight.
Diri45 attended GHS Limbe and briefly studied at the University of Buea before financial difficulties forced him to leave. He later pursued a degree in Finance and Credit in Belarus before returning to Cameroon.
Now based in Buea, Diri45 continues to work tirelessly with his team to uplift young artists, demonstrating that with vision, dedication, and community spirit, Cameroonian music can break through barriers on a global scale.