Unplugged Lounge Conversations with Naiyah

Textured, soulful, and quietly assured, London-based multi-disciplinary artist Naiyah crafts a world where sound and visual art move in harmony. Raised in a home where her father’s DJ sets of old-school hip-hop, R&B, and funky house spun through the rooms, she cultivated her voice early, beginning as a soprano in church choirs before developing into an award-winning artist rooted in Jazz, Neo-soul, and R&B. Today, she stands firmly within London’s vibrant jazz landscape, with performances at revered venues such as Ronnie Scott’s and festival stages including We Out Here and Brick Lane Jazz Festival. Her debut single, Blue Dream, resonated widely, earning recognition from BBC Radio Introducing, Global Soul, and key tastemakers, alongside major Spotify playlist placements that cement her arrival as a distinctive new force in UK soul. Beyond her music, Naiyah leads NaiyahCreative, a studio dedicated to contemporary design, illustration, and oil painting, where themes of wellness, softness, and empowerment deepen the immersive experience she offers her audience.

Continue reading to learn more about Naiyah. . .

Thanks for chatting with us at Sonic Sisters Magazine! Can you share a bit about how your journey into music began?

Thanks so much for having me! My journey into music began in church when I was around 12 years old. I’d always loved music but that was where I realised I could actually sing. From then I was practising constantly, competing in local competitions and performing in local hotels and venues until eventually I moved to London when I was 20 to not only study music but pursue it professionally. 

Who have been some of the most significant influences on your musical style?

There’s so so many from all kinds of genres but in terms of style I would say, Corrine Bailey Rae, Sade, Aaliyah and Deniece Williams. 

And which female musicians or women in the music industry have inspired your journey?

I’m deeply inspired by women like Lianne La Havas, Jazmine Sullivan, and Rachelle Ferrell. Lianne La Havas has influenced me with her gentle yet powerful storytelling and the way she blends soul, folk, and individuality so effortlessly. Jazmine Sullivan inspires me through her raw honesty, vocal mastery, and the emotional depth she brings to every song—she reminds me of the importance of truth in my music. And Rachelle Ferrell’s technical brilliance and fearless improvisation have shaped how I think about vocal expression and musical freedom. Each of them has encouraged me to step more boldly into my own sound and artistic identity.

How do your personal experiences shape your songwriting, and what do you hope listeners take away from those connections?

I do pull from my past and present in my storytelling, but also I think about what it is I want my listeners to feel when listening. I often turn to sounds that are soft, healing and ‘feel good’ music because I want to provide an escape from reality, a soft landing for the listener. I also tend to think quite visually when I write, probably because of my background as an artist. I’m always imagining colours, textures, or scenes that match the emotion, and that helps guide the production and tone of the music too.

Congratulations on your brand-new single 'Love Unknown' - what inspired this particular song?

Thanks so much! I wrote this song in a time when I hadn’t experienced unconditional love. I had a really low sense of self worth and would often find myself in sticky situations because of it and this song talks about overcoming that, learning to lean into the unknown and the ways in which love can really shape you. 

What song (not your own) has had the biggest influence on you and why?

‘I Am Light’ by India Arie. That song comforted me for many of my younger years and is a song I often come back to when I need the reminder, it almost acts as a mantra that will really pull you out of darkness.

Is there a song in your catalog that holds a special personal meaning for you? We'd love to hear the story or inspiration behind it.

There’s an unreleased song called Sunrise that talks about my journey of overcoming. The light at the end of the tunnel. It’s a celebration of how far I’ve come and how I could have never imagined how beautiful my life would be.

What are some of the aspirations you have for your music moving forward?

I’m hoping to continue to build a loving community, one that will allow me to tour and continue to share with the world. I’m excited to write an album and all of the collaboration that that process will bring but yeah, honestly just more opportunities to share my voice. I’d also love to keep merging my art and music worlds more intentionally whether that’s through visual projects, installations, or even creating immersive experiences around future releases. And with my EP coming next spring, I’m excited to keep expanding my artistry in ways that feel true to me.

What advice would you give to emerging female artists who are just starting out in the music world?

In an industry that can feel super noisy, fast paced and oversaturated it's important to not give in to comparison. Stay true to yourself, hone in on whatever it is that makes you you and eventually your audience will find you.

Before we wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to say to our readers?

Thank you for taking the time to get to know me and my music. It honestly means the world. I hope my songs can offer you a moment of peace, joy, or reflection - whatever it is you need. And if you’re on your own creative journey, keep going, stay open, and trust that there’s space for you. Sending love to everyone reading.

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Shoutout to Decent Music PR for sending this artist our way!