Ryan De La Cruz

Rayan Itsan Indanda (born 20 October 1996), known professionally as Ryan De La Cruz, is a Congolese-British singer, songwriter, rapper, actor, model, director, producer, and television personality. He sings in English, French, and Lingala. Born in Cricklewood, Northwest London, Itsan began recording music at the age of 11 and released a collaborative project with the Lil Rascals, a group associated with the early 2000s grime music movement. He later signed a record deal with Plan B in 2015 after portraying Jake in the film Ill Manors. The following year, his track "Know About Me" gained recognition as Vevo's Track of the Week and entered BBC Radio 1's B list chart for several weeks. In 2019, Itsan released his debut studio album, Syko, followed by 23.

Early life Ryan De La Cruz was born Rayan Itsan Indanda on 20 October 1996 in Cricklewood, Northwest London, to Congolese parents. His father, Rev. Dave Indanda, was a reverend and one of the early members of the Congolese nationalist movement known as the Combattants. His mother, Marie-Claire Tumbe, worked as a model and tailor.

In January 2017, the music video for his song "Know About Me", directed by Bouha Kazmi, gained significant recognition and landed the song on the BBC Radio 1 B list chart for several weeks. The track, which had been released by Void UK in October 2016, was chosen as Vevo's Track of the Week and was named Best Video of the Year by BBC Radio 1Xtra hosts MistaJam, DJ Semtex, and DJ Target. In an interview with The Hundreds, De La Cruz said he wanted the project to be "vibrant" and show different sides of his music and creativity.

2021–present: 23, Cameleon, Nasti, How You Getting On, and "Oyo Nini" In 2021, De La Cruz released his second studio album, 23, a self-produced project featuring 23 tracks. Inspired by contemporary R&B and soul, the album explored social issues such as abortion, discrimination, racism, and police brutality. It featured guest appearances from Luke Gomm, Ngozi Diamond, Gabi'el, JiBs, Apollo BlockBoy, Dennis Milliano, Krze, Jacksmunii, Smasher, BackRoad Gee, Clinton Elvis, Lavelle London, Richy Sparkz, Rolldens, FUNDR, Nxm Notes, Neezy N.E.B, ADP, and Tokyo James. The next year, he released three EPs: Cameleon on 23 February, Nasti on 16 August, and How You Getting On, a collaborative project with Sh Quille, on 29 November.

Acting Ryan De La Cruz in a scene from Meet the Adebanjos, Series 2, Episode 14. After grabbing the attention of Plan B, De La Cruz was auditioned in school to play a lead role in a film that Plan B both wrote and self-directed Ill Manors. Charles Gant of Variety wrote, "young De La Cruz impresses when he switches from macho swagger to scared child in a heartbeat". This gave De La Cruz depth in terms of experience and allowed him to grow. After he received the role of Jake, De La Cruz went on and landed a role 'Shawn' in the British-African sitcom Meet the Adebanjos, appearing in Series 2, Episode 14 ("Rude Boy Friend") on Netflix alongside Wale Ojo, Daniel Davids, Yetunde Oduwole which he co-directed and it, later on, became an ultimate fan favorite.

De La Cruz was featured in the MTV show Judge Geordie Season 1, in which he expressed the problems and altercations he faced with his best mates. The episode featuring his friends Waffle King & Xvr Blck was initially a prank pulled by the bunch, but Vicky Pattison was totally unaware.

Discography

Studio albums

Syko (2019) 23 (2021)

EP

Pagans (2016) Cameleon (2024) Nasti (2024)

Joint EP

How You Getting On with Sh Quille (2024)