Liya is an Afro-Fusion singer whose music carries emotion, softness, strength, and quiet conviction — and in this episode of Music Custodian Sessions, she opens up about her journey, growth, and the freedom of truly finding her voice.
In this intimate conversation, Liya reflects on her early beginnings, her time as the first female artist signed to Davido Music Worldwide (DMW), and the lessons that shaped her resilience, work ethic, and creative mindset. She speaks candidly about learning to be “stubborn” about her dreams, choosing progress over dwelling in mistakes, and what it truly means to move forward in an ever-evolving industry.
We explore her sound beyond genre — not as a formula, but as a feeling. From the emotional world behind songs like “Adua”, to how independence has redefined her artistry, Liya describes her music as a space where vulnerability, confidence, calm, and strength coexist.
We also discuss:
• Life beyond DMW and navigating independence
• Creative freedom, growth, and artistic clarity
• Being a woman in the Nigerian music industry
• Afro-Fusion as emotion, not just sound
• Lessons learned from mentorship and experience
• Her vision for the future and the legacy she hopes to build
Shot in a relaxed creative and coffee space called TopBeans coffee, this episode captures Liya in a moment of self-awareness, confidence, and quiet evolution – this is a conversation rooted in honesty, reflection, and intention.
Whether you’re a longtime listener, a creative finding your path, or simply curious about the inner world of emerging African voices, our Music Custodian Sessions offer a thoughtful and personal look into artistes and their creative journey.
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In this episode of Music Custodian Sessions, Liya sits with us in a moment of becoming , not spectacle, not celebration, but clarity. We speak about growth, identity, and the quiet discipline of finding one’s voice after the noise fades.
This is a conversation rooted in nuance: how she understands her sound, how she carries feminine strength without performance, and how Afro-Fusion becomes a language for emotional truth rather than trend.
At Music Custodian, we do not rush stories , we let them arrive fully formed, with care, pacing, and context.
Recorded just days before Liya went on to win Best Vocal Performance (Female) at the 17th Headies Awards, this episode now stands as a timestamped cultural document, a proof of editorial instinct over reaction.
Not a post-win interview, but a pre-recognition reflection.
Here, Liya represents the post-label, post-hype African artist navigating selfhood with intention.
This is preservation.
