In a world where virality can catapult an artist to instant fame, Aqyila has chosen a different path; one of patience, growth, and authenticity. When GU first spoke with the rising R&B songwriter last year, she reflected on the slow burn of success, appreciating the time it’s given her to evolve as an artist. That mindset has carried her through the years since signing with Sony Music Canada in 2021, allowing her to refine her sound and songwriting. Now, as she prepares to release her latest project, Falling Into Place, Aqyila is stepping into her artistry with more confidence than ever. With deeply personal and universally relatable songs, she invites listeners to experience her journey alongside her — one where passion and purpose shine through every note.
In 2021, Aqyila captivated listeners worldwide with her breakout single, Vibe for Me, amassing over 10 million streams and earning a Juno Award nomination for Contemporary R&B “Recording of the Year.”
GU had the pleasure of sitting down with Aqyila to discuss her journey from viral sensation to bonafide artist, the influences that have shaped her sound, and what fans can expect from her highly anticipated album, Falling Into Place.
Aqyila’s journey to the music industry wasn’t conventional. “I never expected my music to take off the way it did,” she admits. “My first job was at a vacuum store, so when I think about where I started and where I am now, it’s really surreal. I’m having fun.” What began as casually posting covers and original songs online quickly snowballed into something greater. “You never really know how one decision will lead you to the next,” she reflects. “I was just putting my music out there as an outlet, and now I get to do this as my career.”
While success came swiftly, Aqyila took her time embracing her identity as a full-fledged artist. “It really hit me last year when I was traveling constantly for shows and events due to the success of her recent hit, Bloom. I thought, ‘Wow, is this what they [artists] are doing on a daily basis?” she muses.
Despite the whirlwind of her rising career, she remains deeply rooted in her artistry. “As a kid, I always wanted to be a singer. I remember sneaking to watch American Idol past my bedtime when Fantasia was on. Seeing a Black woman chase her dreams was so inspiring to me,” she recalls.
Determined to carve her own path, she began sharing singing videos on every platform that emerged, with Twitter giving her the first taste of virality. “It definitely had its upsides and downsides—the downside being people nitpicking over random things I had never even thought about. But I’ve learned that it’s more about them than it is about me.”
Aqyila performs Bloom live at the 2025 Juno Awards
Aqyila’s debut album promises to showcase her growth as an artist, both vocally and emotionally. “There are five new songs on the album that I cannot wait for people to hear. I can hear the growth in my voice from when I first started,” she says proudly.
Musically, Falling Into Place is rooted in R&B but also embraces a range of influences. “There are tropical vibes in there, being that I’m Jamaican, and then some classic R&B songs that give a very sensual vibe,” she explains. “I’ve always naturally blended genres and this album is a reflection of that.”
Aqyila reveals that the album title was inspired by a track on the project. “When I was creating the project, I wasn’t overthinking it—I was just letting things flow. And that’s really what happened with this album; everything just started falling into place.”
The two lead singles, Focus and Wolf, set the tone for the album’s sonic diversity. “Focus is fun, high-energy, and a song that hypes you up,” she says. “Wolf, on the other hand, is a playful take on the classic ‘boy who cried wolf’ story. It’s very different from anything I’ve done before—it’s more pop-leaning, but still has those R&B harmonies.”
When asked which songs best represent her artistry, she points to Bloom and Unbothered. “People sleep on Unbothered! The vocal layering is beautiful, and it was made with the same team as Bloom. I think those two songs give a great introduction to who I am as an artist.”
She recently wrapped up a tour opening for Pink Sweat$, an experience she describes as eye-opening. “Meeting fans in person, hearing how my music has helped them—it just puts everything into perspective. I’ll never take that for granted.”
When it comes to dream collaborations, Aqyila doesn’t hesitate: “Jhené Aiko. I feel like we both have that ethereal, floaty vibe. Our harmonies together would be magical.”
As for the artists who shaped her sound, she names Whitney Houston, Jazmine Sullivan, and Brandy as key influences. “Whitney was the one who made me want to be a singer. I remember crying when she passed away because she meant so much to me. And Brandy—listen, I see all the Brandy praise on Twitter. She’s the vocal Bible for a reason.”
As she embarks on this new chapter, Aqyila has one request: “Come out to the live shows! We’ve been working so hard to bring these songs to life in a whole new way. I’m so excited for everyone to experience it.”
With Falling Into Place, Aqyila isn’t just proving herself as an artist—she’s solidifying her place in the industry. And if her journey so far is any indication, this is only the beginning.
Falling Into Place is out now on all streaming platforms.