Astoundingly talented and with a vigorous new sound, Alya is the Emirati-British artist destined to become everyone’s new obsession. She is a dancer, actress, and singer known for her unique blend of R&B, Amapiano, and Afro-pop sounds. At 19 years old, Alya has already made waves in the music scene, racking up an impressive 3 million streams across various platforms. Her extraordinary talent has not gone unnoticed, catching the attention of music industry titan Simon Fuller, who was celebrated for his work with iconic artists like the Spice Girls, Kelly Clarkson, and Carrie Underwood.
Recently, Alya has released her new track “Glitter & Gold,” mastered by GRAMMY-winning engineer Dave Kutch and co-written by Morgan Connie Smith. The track explores the famous saying “All that glitters is not gold”, a piece of wisdom Alya’s father instilled in her. This lesson resonates as she manages the intricacies of love, where keen decision-making and prioritizing self-love can act as a guiding principle for success and empowerment.
You mentioned wanting to create a fun track with a meaningful message. Do you feel that same energy invigorates the message and makes it stick harder?
For sure! Making a fun track with a strong message really helps it hit harder. When a song has good energy, people vibe with it more, and that makes the message stand out. It’s like you’re enjoying the beat, but at the same time, the lyrics are sticking with you. It’s the best of both worlds — something you can have fun with, but also take something deeper from it.
Why is the theme of self-love significant to you, and how do you hope it impacts your audience?
Self-love is essential to me because it’s easy to compare ourselves to others, especially on social media. But embracing your uniqueness boosts confidence and helps you love yourself for who you are. I hope my message encourages my audience to do the same: recognize their worth, stand out in their way, and feel proud of who they are. When you love yourself, others can see and appreciate the real you.
You’re about to release the remix of “Glitter & Gold” featuring Lifesize Teddy. How did this collaboration come about?
I’ve always been a fan of Teddy’s music, so when I discussed the idea of remixing “Glitter & Gold,” with my team, everyone was on board. We reached out to her team and sent over the track, and she loved it! When I found out we were collaborating, I was over the moon because I knew it was going to be amazing.
Your music blends various genres like R&B, Amapiano, and Afro-pop. How do you approach genre fusion in your work?
I have a deep love for all kinds of music, and I draw inspiration from various genres. This approach allows me to create a unique and distinctive sound that blends elements of R&B, Amapiano, and Afro-pop seamlessly.
At just 19, you’ve accomplished so much already. What has been the most surprising moment in your career so far?
One of the most surprising and unforgettable moments in my career so far has been getting a co-sign from Mavin Records. This was incredible because Mavin has so many big artists I love and respect, like Rema and Ayra Starr. It made me feel truly supported and validated, knowing that such a major label in Africa believes in my goal.
How does your Emirati-British background influence your music and artistic vision?
Growing up with two different cultural backgrounds was never difficult for me; I always embraced both sides. This allowed me to grow up listening to both English and Arabic music, drawing inspiration from each. From a young age, I’ve had a unique dream: to put the UAE on the map for its talent by becoming the first Emirati woman to sing in English, win a Grammy, and gain international recognition. That is the journey I’m on right now, and I will achieve it.
Lastly, do you have anything lined up for the near future? What’s the rest of your year looking like?
I have a lot lined up, including exciting collaborations, performances, and music videos. Stay tuned because I can’t wait to share all the exciting news with you!
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