When Alya’s debut single Hung Up was launched by Universal Music MENA in November 2020, the song’s accompanying video, which was produced by Ravenscar Films, amassed more than one million views on YouTube. As the Emirati singer-songwriter captured the hearts of fans, she also drew praise from the music industry icons such as Simon Fuller, who described her as “faultless”, and Jennifer Lopez’s choreographer Kyle Hanagami, who called her “something special”
As she continued to grow her influence, Alya has also received widespread support and was also named brand ambassador by major names like American Ragcie,Fendi, Puma Middle East, Benefit Cosmetics Middle East, La-Senza and Prettylittlething. She was also involved in a Dubai Tourism-backed promotion for American Rag Cie ME at its flagship store in Dubai Mall in December. Alya was also one of the faces for the MENA brand campaign for the new VIVO X60 Pro smartphone during EUFA Euro 2020.
Excerpts from the interview:
What inspires you?
Someone that has always inspired me is Beyonce. She said once, “As soon as I accomplish one thing, I just set a higher goal. That’s how I’ve gotten to where I am today.”
She is amazing at everything she does. She is an inspiration for women and she has worked so hard to get where she is now. Another person who really inspires me is my mum. She is a superwoman and does a million things every day and works so hard. On top of all of that, I have watched her perform and sing on stage my entire life and it made me want to become a performer and singer even more!
Tell us about your song writing process
Writing a song with unforgettable melodies and creative lyrics is something which I really love doing. I go to the studio usually and get beats that I like or I vibe with. It could take me a day to write it or even a week, it depends. It usually just comes to me and once I get going, all the rest just flows. For my first single I could not think of anything, my mind was blank but for one of my newer songs it was really a fast process. I just have fun with it, and see where it goes.
How do you manage school and work?
Juggling work and study can become quite tricky, as you must divide your time between an academic and working schedule. At times it can be very challenging, but I try my best to balance and my school is very supportive and understanding. I create a schedule and follow it. I want to follow my dreams and aspirations, but at the same time I want to get an education and enjoy school while I still can.
How did you get started in music?
I have always been immersed in music. I love all different types of music. I love Beyonce, Adele, Ella Fitz Gerald, Amy Winehouse, Bob Dylan and the list goes on. My mum is a singer, my grandma was a singer and my grandpa was a jazz piano player, so I think it is just in me. Not only do I love singing, but I love dancing too. When I was younger I used to love to teach myself how to dance by watching Beyonce videos and copy her moves.
What are your future plans?
To keep growing as an artist, working hard and pushing forward, to keep writing new songs and making new videos and hopefully inspire other people along the way. I would love to cater the global audience. I hope I’ll be touring for concerts, performing live, creating more videos and meeting more musicians and people who support me.”
To know more, follow @alya.singsz on Instagram or visit alyasingsz.com.
