Aqyila makes music with the stated goal of uplifting and inspiring her audiences. Hailing from Toronto, the R&B songstress is an emerging talent whose passion for music is palpable in every note she sings. With standout tracks like “Vibe for Me (Bob for Me),” an infectious viral hit which pays homage to her Jamaican roots, and “Hello”, a compelling anthem predicated on the acceptance of new beginnings and growth, Aqyila’s art is one to be remembered.
Her latest release, “Bloom,” has once again displayed the heartfelt lyricism and harmonious melodies that make Aqyila a must-listen. The long-awaited track leaves a lasting impression on all those who come across it. It’s clear to see that the singer is in the midst of an enthralling come-up. Proof of Aqyila’s staying power is evident in her triumph at the 2024 JUNO Awards in Canada where she won in the Best Traditional R&B/Soul Recording of the Year category.
With a clear aim of not stopping anytime soon, I caught up with the singer to discuss her viral successes, the inspiration behind her emotional storytelling, and her plans for the future.
Can you tell me a bit about yourself? Who is Aqyila?
My name is Aqyila. I am a Libra. I am a creative. I love to create when I am inspired. Even when I am not inspired, I love to find my way during sessions. I love to sing, vlog my daily life, cook and bake.
I know you are Jamaican but grew up in Toronto. Do you mind spotlighting more into your background?
My parents are both from Jamaica. My mother is from Kingston and my father is from St. Thomas. They played a lot of reggae, soulful R&B as well as hiphop growing up. This shaped my sound because, in some of my sounds, I have that influence there. My grandmother taught me more about our heritage. We are a very tight-knit community and love to take care of each other.
Would you say this influence made you pursue a career in music?
My older sister and cousin can both sing. When I was 11, I came across their songbook. I was like this would be cool to do but did not think of it as a growing career. I just wanted to sing just to sing. I still feel that way till now. They inspired me a lot. I would also say listening to a lot of Whitney Houston at 4-5 years old inspired me as I would love to imitate her. When I was 6, I vividly watched Fantasia a lot, especially from American Idol. That made me want to be a singer one day. It’s interesting how this journey started.
Can you share a bit more about the creative process behind the song such as “Bloom” or past project, “For the Better”. How do you approach songwriting and production?
I am more of a melody person. When the producer is putting down the beats, I will get on the mic once I put down my ideas. Most times it’s gibberish takes but we end up pulling melodies from those. I am also much of a feeling person, I go back to questions such as how does this song make me feel? Does the beat make me happy or am I instantly always talking about sad stuff?
For Bloom, I kept repeating the part of the hook which was “What is it you see from me” and then we started talking about what it is that someone looks at when they are in love. What does it mean and why did you choose for them to be your beloved person? What instantly came to my mind when making “Bloom” is everything encompassing love. “For the Better” was my first project ever and I didn’t know what it would be called till I made “Hello”. I took that “everything happens for the better line from “Hello” and decided to call it that. It started off as a heartbreak but realizing your worth later. Before finally wanting to start a whole new chapter in life. Hello was a huge turning point for me and Bloom was a pivotal moment for my life.
Bloom is definitely different from your past single, “Vibe for Me” (Bob for Me), can you tell me the inspiration behind the song?
That was an interesting stage in my life. It was a bop for me and fun to do. It’s a different contrast from “Bloom” because the writing in “Bloom” is much elevated. “Vibe for me” (Bob for Me) is more of a fun and carefree type. I feel they balance out cause they are two different sides for me. When I am songwriting, there are times I am feeling more grown and talking about real stuff but there are also my carefree moments where I just want people to feel good. I blend between those two.
When you started making music, were awards or critical acclaim something you considered wanting to achieve?
I am just having fun. I think if I get in my head wanting to get this award, that will make me lose my passion for singing. I sing because it makes me feel good and is an outlet for me. It’s an audio journal for me to express myself. It’s nice to be recognized for your work but I won’t value myself based on an award. If it comes, it comes. That’s all that matters.
Has there been any moment so far in your career where you just feel like everything is going too fast or you are in that moment where you are ready for it?
I am trying to balance between taking it all in as it is coming but also living in the moment. Since this year started, everything has felt so fast and on the go. The Sony team and I have been going in. Traveling all around the world in a short period of time but I am also enjoying the process of it all. I am grateful to keep memories of everything as I go along so I can definitely look back. I am making new memories and it’s a beautiful experience which doesn’t happen often.
Are there any particular artists or genres that you take inspiration from/who would you love to collaborate with in the future?
There are some people I would love to work with. Libianca is someone I would love to work with. I would also love to work with Flo. I adore them and they are so talented. Jhene Aiko is another person. Masego is an artist I would also love to work with especially with the Jazzy elements in his music.
I take a lot of inspiration from gospel. I grew up around that genre and I feel R&B is highly inspired by that because of its soulful elements. I also really love Jazz and Neo-Soul. My mum played a lot of that growing up. It has that laid-back chill sound.
What advice would you give to aspiring female artists in Canada who are looking to break into the music industry and make their mark?
Stay true to yourself and be firm with what you want. The more you learn yourself, the more you go for stuff you want to achieve. Build a trustworthy team that you can lean on for advice and would stir you in the right direction. I feel good people with good intentions will come along the way. It’s scary being in a new environment but once you get people in your corner with the right intentions, it becomes way easier.
Do you have any upcoming projects we should look up to?
I am excited to drop new music. I am looking forward to putting out a well-thought-of body of work. More singles are definitely on the way. Songs, shows, and festivals next year for sure.
When people listen to your music, what do you hope they get out of it?
I hope they realize you can grow in certain situations. There is never a time when you won’t look back and be like why was I worried in the first place. Whether it’s a heartbreak versus seeing how much you have elevated. I want people to realize there is growth in my music and want them to grow with me.
Finally, if there’s one message you’d like to share with your fans and supporters during Women’s History Month, what would it be?
Thank you for the support guys for uplifting and believing in my music. Taking the time to listen to the lyrics. I am a lyric-moved person and love when people have meaning to stuff. Thank you for enjoying the intentional lyrics and connecting with it.
