Get To Know: Naiyah

Fresh off the release of her latest single ‘Love Unknown’, Naiyah opens up about the deeply transformative chapter that shaped her latest release. Written during a period of personal growth, the project captures moments of clarity, softness, and courage as she learned to let go of perfectionism, lean into the unknown, and rediscover self-worth. Drawing on jazz, soul, R&B, and Afro-pop influences, the new music reflects a more confident and expansive sound, enhanced by collaborations with a close-knit circle of musicians. Naiyah discusses her intuitive creative process, the message of healing and renewal she hopes listeners feel, and the exciting new performances and visual work she’ll be sharing as this next chapter unfolds.

Welcome to Curious For Music! Can you tell us about the inspiration behind your latest release?

This release was really born out of a period of transformation for me - both personally and creatively. I wrote this song in a time when I hadn’t experienced true 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 and help you grow. The songs reflect moments of clarity, softness and courage. 

What was the creative process like for this project?

It was incredibly intuitive. I went into the studio wanting to experiment more especially with rhythm, texture, and blending my influences from jazz, soul, and R&B. Some songs began as little melodic ideas I recorded on my phone, others came from conversations with collaborators about life, love, or identity. I allowed myself to follow what felt right rather than overthinking, and that freedom shaped the entire project.

How does this new release differ from your previous work?

Well I think the collaboration with Tahn brings a whole new vibe, texture and perspective to the song. It feels warm, inviting and truly completes the narrative I wanted to convey. My early release, “Blue Dream,” carried a dreamy, introspective energy. With these new works, I’m playing more with contrast, textures and collaboration.

Were there any particular challenges you faced while making this music?

Definitely. The biggest challenge was letting go of perfectionism. There’s always a lot of pressure to ‘get it right’ and not really knowing when a song is finally complete. It took time to remember that evolution is messy, and that’s okay. Another challenge was balancing my creative practice as an artist/designer with my life as a musician. It pushed me to establish boundaries and find a rhythm that supported both parts of my artistry.

Did you collaborate with any other artists or producers on this project?

Yes, collaboration has been such a beautiful and necessary part of this process. I’ve been working closely with musicians that I consider family, such as DoomCannon, Lorenz Okello, Isobella Burnham, Benjamin Appiah and many more. All incredible musicians but also wonderful humans that are able to provide a safe space for me to experiment and really do bring the best out of me. Bringing different perspectives into the music helped me unlock ideas I wouldn’t have reached on my own.

What message or emotion do you hope listeners take away from this release?

I want my music to feel like a warm hug when you need it most. Within all of my artistry my aim has always been to create music that heals and uplifts, tapping into that raw emotion to bring forth themes of renewal, courage, and stepping into your own light, even when it feels uncertain. If someone hears these songs and feels inspired to trust themselves a little more or embrace a new beginning, then I’ve done what I set out to do.

Is there a story or concept that ties the songs together?

Yes. There’s a quiet thread of transformation running through the project. Each song represents a different facet of growth—letting go, rediscovering joy, reconnecting with purpose, and honouring your roots. It’s not a concept album in the traditional sense, but the songs definitely speak to each other.

How has your sound or style evolved on this release compared to your earlier work?

I think I’m more confident in my sound now. Vocally, I’m exploring new colours, new textures, and more movement. Sonically, the music feels more expansive, there’s more space, more groove, and more experimentation.

Is there a track in your music discography that feels especially meaningful to you? What makes it stand out?

“Blue Dream” will always hold a special place for me, it was my first release and it introduced my sound to the world. But “Sweet Fate,” from this project, feels like a turning point. It shows a side of me that’s grown, sultry and unhindered. I think it stands out because sonically it’s more of a Afro-pop vibe which is different to any other track on the project. 

How do you plan to share this release with your audience? Are there any upcoming performances, videos, or special projects in the works?

Absolutely. I’ll be sharing live performances and visual pieces that bring the themes of the project to life. I’m preparing for some exciting shows next year along with videos and creative visuals that merge my design practice with my music. I’m also gradually building a small team for the first time, which will allow me to bring this release into the world with more intention and momentum.

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Courtesy of Decent Music PR, this release found its way to our inbox — and we’re always happy to explore the new music and emerging artists they spotlight.