We were lucky to catch up with Zakiyyah recently and have shared our conversation below.

Zakiyyah, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

One of the most meaningful projects I’ve worked on is my album African Import (https://ditto.fm/african_import_0f9f7c80), which I released in February 2026. This project is years in the making—many of the songs were written long before the album ever took shape, and the stories behind them go back even further.

There were seasons where I was creating consistently, and others where I had to step away, revisit ideas, and even start over. I spent a lot of time refining the sound, being intentional about collaboration, and making sure every piece felt honest and aligned. From composing to finding the right collaborators, to going back to the drawing board more than once, it was a process that required patience and growth.

What makes it so meaningful is not just the final product, but everything it represents—evolution, persistence, and faith. To now have it out in the world, after carrying it for so long, feels incredibly special. It’s more than an album to me—it’s a body of work that holds years of my life, my experiences, and my voice.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’m an artist-activist and a changemaker, and my work lives at the intersection of artistry and advocacy. Whether I’m creating music or performing, I’m intentional about using my platform to highlight marginalized communities, challenge bias, and spark meaningful conversation.

I was born into a family deeply rooted in activism and community, so that awareness has always been a part of my foundation. It shaped how I see the world and, naturally, how I create. I’ve always been musically inclined, but my journey with opera actually began before high school. I started training with my teacher, Ms. Marilyn Andre, in eighth grade while preparing for my audition to Boston Arts Academy, and I continued studying with her privately throughout high school. That foundation became a defining part of my sound. Today, I fuse hip-hop and opera into what I call “hip-hopera,” a style that allows me to tell stories in a way that feels both powerful and expansive.

A core part of my work is reflecting what’s happening in the world through my art. I see my voice as a vessel—not just for my own experiences, but for people whose voices are often overlooked, silenced, or dimmed. My goal is to create work that resonates deeply, challenges perspectives, and reminds people that their stories matter.

What sets me apart is my commitment to authenticity. In a world that often rewards performance over truth, I’m most proud of staying grounded in who I am and what I believe. Every project I release is intentional, honest, and rooted in purpose.

To my community, who I’ve affectionately named The Hummingbirds—you mean everything to me. You’re always on my mind when I’m creating. I think about what you’re navigating, what you need, and how my art can meet you there. I want people to know that my work isn’t just about music—it’s about connection, impact, and creating something that truly moves people, both emotionally and socially.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

One story that really reflects my resilience is the journey of creating my album African Import. While it’s a project I’m incredibly proud of, the process of bringing it to life came with its challenges.

Even with the progress that’s been made, navigating the music industry as a woman can still be difficult. There were moments where I felt underestimated—where my decisions were questioned or I wasn’t fully respected as both a creative and a businesswoman. I also encountered situations with less-than-ideal business practices and had to navigate spaces that didn’t always operate with integrity.

But through all of that, I remained grounded in who I am and what I stand for. I had to advocate for myself, trust my instincts, and make decisions that aligned with my values—even when it wasn’t the easiest path. Those experiences pushed me to grow stronger, more discerning, and more confident in my voice, both artistically and professionally.

In the end, resilience for me has looked like choosing to rise above those challenges without compromising my integrity. African Import is not just a reflection of my artistry—it’s a testament to perseverance, self-trust, and staying true to my vision no matter what obstacles came my way.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

For me, the most rewarding part of being an artist is the journey—the act of creating itself. I think a lot of people focus on the final product, but for me, the work is never really done. I’m always creating, always collaborating, always evolving.
Some of my favorite moments happen in the in-between—in the studio when the keys hit just right and something clicks, or when I’m building out a song with my engineer and we land on an ad-lib that brings it to life in a new way. Or even in rehearsal with my background vocalists, when we’re playing with runs, experimenting, and just enjoying the process together.

Those moments—that energy, that discovery—that’s the real reward for me. It’s not just about what’s released into the world, but what’s created in the process of getting there.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zakiyyah_official
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ZakiyyahOfficial
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@zakiyyah_official
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@zakiyyah_official

Image Credits

Sara Espinosa