After Immigrating to the United States from Sudan at a young age, Yahya used the styles and sounds of contemporary Hip-Hop to develop his own language and communicate in his brand new environment.
Growing up in the United States, Yahya naturally gravitated towards Hip-Hop but developed his sound using cuts from trap, R&B and rock, his 2020 hit project Is It Too Late To Miss You showcased a clear flair for diversity in his vocals and instrumentals.
2021 developed into a milestone year– releasing his acclaimed 4th project Days Pass amassing over 1.2 million streams on Spotify, the experimental project’s lead single “Didn’t Believe Me” was accompanied by his first official music video – written and performed by himself which would race to over 500,000 views on YouTube, solidifying YAHYA’s complete creative vision and identity.
Who inspired you to make music?
My biggest musical Inspiration I would say is Kevin gates the way he bears his soul on tracks and his ability to be transparent be angry be himself but still be vulnerable just something about that level of free expression inspired me to go express myself in my most pure way
With the pandemic, how have you found a way to get your music and your message out there?
It hasn’t changed anything because my music always superseded my environment saying that to say that the people who love my music are all over the world majority of them are based internationally so when I drop my methods of promotions I’ve always had in mind that I have to make an impression without a face to face interaction with a lot of the supporters early on
Have you got a ritual of sorts when writing and thinking about your music?
I like to be alone in the most silent of spaces to be able to be introspective within my own thoughts and self So I can put forth the purest pieces of me when I’m creating
Of your own music, do you have a favorite release? If so, can you pin down why?
My favorite track of my own is titled HIM/ME it has not been released yet but that song is very special to me because it signifies a new beginning within my own self and my new path it’s a conversation with a man I was and releasing him with peace.
If we were to peek over your shoulder, what does your studio look like? What gear do you typically use?
Pretty straightforward forward my laptop, 2 screens, and my mic in its insulation eye, the beauty that Comes forth in my music are all from me so my space reflects that in its simplicity but the ability to do so much and tell the most vivid story possible.
What would be a good theme song for your life?
I would say finally rich by chief keef it just speaks to where I am at in life’s beautiful moment .
If you could change anything about yourself what would it be?
Nothing, I’m blessed and highly favored
What movie ending really frustrated you? And how would you change it?
Not a movie but the show everybody hates Chris, it ended on a cliffhanger but not really, they just could’ve done so much more and it just cuts off with him saying no to going to college, I waited for months for a new season but little did I know! They canceled it.
Do you have any superstitions?
I wouldn’t say so
What would be the ideal food to have cooked for you on a date night?
A vegan chopped cheese, just immaculate can’t go wrong just a home run always
The young artist’s new EP Seasons Change Feelings Change takes a soft punk rock aesthetic with playful guitar licks and heavy-set drums, Yahya contrasts bold, gritty vocals as he expresses the frustration of growing apart from relationships yet having a bond too deep to simply throw away.