Toronto-bred singer-songwriter Aqyila is taking 2024 by storm and isn’t showing signs of stopping anytime soon. Closing out a successful year on a high note, she’s headlining her first show in the city this December and we’re giving away two tickets to see her in concert!
From consistently releasing chart-topping singles to winning one of the most coveted awards in Canadian music, Aqyila has proven herself to be a force as an emerging artist in the R&B scene. At the top of the year, she released her highly-anticipated breakout track “Bloom,” a romantic and airy tune that quickly gained traction internationally through social media, with over 25 million streams to date.
In March, the two-time nominated songbird took home a Juno Award in the category Traditional R&B/Soul Recording of the Year for her 2023 hit “Hello.” Hearing her name being called, Aqyila said she completely froze, shocked that she had been deemed the winner.
“It was surreal. It was really surreal,” she told Now Toronto in an interview.
“It was very gratifying to be acknowledged for the contributions that I’m making in music as well, and clearly it’s showing that my music has an impact.”
A few months later, she kicked off the summer opening for American R&B artist Bryson Tiller at the annual Calgary Stampede. Some of her favourite moments included having her own personal backstage trailer as well as sharing snacks with Tiller and fellow songwriter Mariah the Scientist, but perhaps one of her most memorable would be performing on stage and having the crowd know her song lyrics.
“I remember when I was doing sound check, there were a bunch of people in the crowd who were already singing my stuff and they were calling my name,” Aqyila described the unexpected experience.
“There’s always that anxious feeling when you’re the first one up, especially at a festival. But the fact that so many people knew my songs already, I felt really comfortable.”
Following the viral success of “Bloom,” her latest single, “Most Wanted,” was the perfect summertime soundtrack, a Caribbean dancehall fusion that brought the heat. The infectiously upbeat song describes the sensuality of a woman who is the object of desire, something Aqyila says is a vibe fitting for the season.
“It’s a sexy song, but also it just feels good. It makes you move. It makes you want to dance,” she said. “That’s what we need in the summer!”
The island-flavoured song is an ode to her Jamaican heritage, a spin on the foundational roots and reggae sounds her parents used to play that have been instilled in her since childhood. Aqyila teased that her upcoming debut album will incorporate more of the genre, as well as other styles that fans may not expect of her.
“It’s gonna be a mix of sophisticated, sultry vibes, some upbeat vibes and overall, just more growth,” she said enthusiastically.
“I’m always growing and I love that my audience is growing with me. Through time, they’re gonna be like, ‘wow, this is another side of Aqyila that we didn’t know of.’ I’m really excited for the album!”
Aqyila says the project is expected to drop in spring of 2025.
Until then, her next moves in the coming months include dropping more music and doing some international shows across the U.S. and in the U.K. for British singer Mahalia’s ongoing R&B showcase series titled “Mahalia Presents.”
Toronto can anticipate her return to the city with a headlining show at the Drake Underground on Dec. 3.
Now Toronto is giving away two tickets to see Aqyila live in concert. To enter, Canadian participants over the age of 18 must follow @nowtoronto and @sonymusic on TikTok, as well as comment who you’d bring to the concert!
The contest opens on Sept. 23 until Sept. 27 at 1:30 p.m. EST, and the winner will be announced across social media platforms on the following day.
Rules and regulations can be found here.
