Ever heard of soul-arresting music? Something spiritual yet pop-infused? That's what Liya stands for. Don't take my word for it. Let her music walk you through this profile.
Born Abdulsalam Suliyat Modasola in 1999 in Lagos, Liya strikes you as a soulful and culturally rooted artist. Her musical journey is borne out of diverse influences and spiritual connections. Introduced to the public eye in 2020 through a fortuitous encounter with Davido, Liya swiftly carved her path in the industry, standing out as the first female artist under Davido Music Worldwide.
Early Life and Influences. . .
Liya's early years were colored by the rich cultural streets of Ketu and Alapere. Later, she relocated to Ikorodu in 2011, where her exposure to diverse cultural influences continued to shape her musical sensibilities. Liya's journey took her to the University of Ilorin in 2014, where she studied Yoruba Language, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Linguistics. Here, you can imagine how she continues to immerse herself in the depth of her culture, bathing herself in the intricacies that’ll help her shine as an artist that transcends surface-level creativity.
Liya's music genre is a fusion she aptly terms Afro-Fusion, a beautiful amalgamation of influences that resonate in each note and lyric. The influences of musical stalwarts like Angélique Kidjo, Aṣa, and Shola Allyson are evident in her work, showcasing a profound connection to her roots.
Her upbringing, encompassing both Islamic and Christian influences, laid the foundation for Liya's musical inclination. "I go to church with my parents sometimes because they have a lot of Christian friends," she shared in an interview. The proximity to a Cherubim and Seraphim church and music classes at the Arabic school infused her subconscious with a myriad of melodies evident in the song you’re listening to.
Music Journey So Far. . .
Liya's musical odyssey began when she played some of her songs, including the enchanting "Melo," to Davido during their initial meeting. Captivated by her talent, Davido wasted no time in signing her to his record label. The journey unfolded with a trip to Abuja, where Davido coined the term "first lady way" on Twitter, officially welcoming Liya into the DMW family.
The anticipation surrounding Liya reached a crescendo with the announcement of her debut extended play, "Alari," released on August 20, 2021. Music critic Motolani Alake hailed her for transforming Angélique Kidjo's "Agolo" into a pop masterpiece in her track "Melo." The EP was described as an "impressive debut," showcasing Liya's mercurial and regally graceful style.
Liya's musical prowess was further recognized when she received a nomination in the Best Vocal Performance category for females at The Headies in 2022, specifically for the soul-stirring track "Alari." The music video for "Adua," directed by Dammy Twitch, added visual depth to her musical storytelling. She worked with the sensational Simi on the remix of Adua– a show of vocal matrimony that makes your skin succumb to the embrace of goosebumps.
Having departed from DMW on mutual grounds, Liya's journey unfolds with a promise of more musical exploration and collaborations.
Reinventing Herself…
In 2023, Liya continues to evolve and reinvent herself within the music industry. Her versatility shines through as she graces the screen as a vixen in Olamide's "Jinja" video and releases new music, such as the love-infused "I'm Done."
She’s also chosen to disrupt the internet by what our editor termed “channeling her inner Ice-Spice and giving Ayra Starr a run for her skirt”.
Conclusion
Liya stands not only as a musical talent but also as a cultural and spiritual force, seamlessly blending her diverse influences into a harmonious expression of self. As she navigates the waves of the music realm, Liya remains a captivating artist, weaving her story through soulful melodies and cultural connections.
Posted by Abdulazeez A Shomade | Published on 2023-11-02 15:55:54