INDEPENDENT HOUR: NYA

When NYA recently hit the milestone of one million followers on TikTok, the internet took notice. But for her, it felt less like a surprise and more like destiny. “In one word? Inevitable,” she says with a grin. “I always felt like it was gonna happen. I just didn’t know when. But when it did, I was like, ‘Oh my God, it happened!’”

NYA’s rise may seem sudden to some, but it’s been years in the making for those who’ve followed her journey. Born as Myra Mwangombe in Kenya, she discovered her voice at just seven years old. But it was watching Hannah Montana that truly ignited her passion for music. Seeing Miley perform on stage while juggling a double life as a regular teen and pop star made her think, “I could do this.”

That belief was quickly put to the test. She applied to televised talent shows like Britain’s Got Talent and The Voice, only to be rejected. She even applied to The BRIT School and didn’t even get an audition. The constant nos she received during her adolescence made her more resilient in her pursuits. However, after earning her master's degree in songwriting, NYA decided to give covers another go. During the COVID lockdowns, with everyone posting content online, she saw an opportunity to carve out her own space. Her setup may appear simple: just a mic, a bedroom, and a smartphone, but it’s the product of nearly five years of refining and engineering.

The 29-year-old London-based artist splits her time between releasing original music and posting covers on TikTok, transforming popular and nostalgic songs into entirely new worlds. Whether she’s covering Justin Bieber, the Jonas Brothers, or Hannah Montana her setup remains simple: her bedroom, microphone, and smartphone. “I just want people to see me,” she says, emphasizing that the focus should be on her voice and emotion rather than theatrics. While her setup may be minimal, the depth of emotion and exceptional harmonies leave a lasting impression, making it hard not to binge-watch her covers.

NYA has gone viral in an industry that often validates artists through viral moments. Her favorite moment was SZA acknowledging her cover, especially since she had hesitated to cover SZA’s songs due to constant comparisons. “I didn’t want people to think I was trying to impersonate her,” she says. But once SZA saw and liked it, “that was wild… now it’s a real thing.” She adds that Joe Jonas, in particular, has been incredibly supportive. “To the point where I’m just like, I was cool with just one video, but you’re gonna like, like multiple? Wow, thank you.”

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For NYA, her original music is rooted in deep emotional honesty. She describes her songs as vessels for personal expression, often drawn from her own lived experiences. “I want people to feel nostalgic,” she says, explaining that her soulful delivery aims to create a bond with listeners, even if they don’t know her story, they can feel it. Authenticity is central to her process: “I don’t want to be anyone other than myself.” Though often categorized as R&B, NYA refuses to sit in one box. Her sound draws from pop, soul, jazz, blues, and even rock, where each song takes  shape based on where she’s emotionally at. For instance, her single “Mutual” was originally written as a pitch for Justin Bieber or Kehlani. “I never thought it would be a record I’d release myself,” she admits. But like much of her journey, the path unfolded organically. That balance of vulnerability and vision gives her original work its staying power.

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Kicking off her professional songwriting journey, she signed her first publishing deal in 2021. At the time, she didn’t even want to be an artist. Instead, she just wanted to write for others. Songwriting was her “first love,” even before she saw herself as a performer. For her, writing for others is like “an acting gig,” where she enjoys stepping into different characters and experimenting with sounds that might not suit her artist persona. She finds joy and freedom in that process and says she’ll keep writing for others even after she eventually steps away from being a performing artist. Recently, she celebrated her first placement with another artist, Honey Bxby, where she wrote “Think I Might,” calling it a “very exciting” milestone after years of writing behind the scenes.

But in July 2024, just before releasing “Mutual,” NYA became fully independent. When asked what keeps her going, she points to two things: “my irrevocable love for music” and “stubbornness.” She continues, “I pursue music because I just love it. As with anything you truly love, it's a commitment and a choice, no matter what hardships you endure, you keep going.” That love fuels her resilience and keeps her grounded in an industry that often demands more than it gives back. She’s also motivated by the people who support her and those who doubt her, emphasizing the importance of staying creatively fulfilled on her own terms. Instead of forcing inspiration, she allows it to come naturally, creating when she feels called to, a freedom she credits to building a life around her artistry.

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NYA’s biggest advice to fellow artists is simple but powerful: just start. She emphasizes that fear of failure often holds people back, but failure is simply part of the learning process. She also urges artists to be authentic rather than chasing trends or trying to replicate what's already popular. In her view, longevity comes from being true to yourself and showcasing your uniqueness. “You can’t orchestrate someone’s unique nature,” she says, adding that the key to creative survival is not caring what others think, whether it’s criticism or praise, because the moment you rely on external validation, you start creating for others instead of yourself.

Looking ahead, she is focused on releasing more original music, including a fan-favorite track she’s been teasing called “Honeymoon.” Although many of her songs begin as pitches for other artists, she’s becoming more open to claiming them as her own. She’s also pushing herself to collaborate more this year, stepping out of her comfort zone after years of working solo. Her goal isn’t just to grow as an artist but to stay grounded in the present: “This year, I want to just be here,” she says, reflecting a shift in mindset that’s just as intentional as her music.

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