ADIIA is a singer, songwriter and trained artist from the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts. Born in New Jersey and now a Texas transplant, ADIIA with her unique style is ready to take on the industry.

What was the first job you booked as a singer?

I was about 15.  I had performed with a dance company based in Mesquite, Texas for a Christmas event at Towne East Mall.  Even though I sang covers, it was still a great experience being that young and taking the stage for a big audience.

Who are your musical icons/influences?

I have a big variety of music icons.  I love all kinds of music, but my biggest influences
are Jazz artist Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holiday.  I am into Soul, Neo Soul, as well as Anastacia and Jill Scott ( who I got to meet, by the way she’s very down to earth.)
Definitely in the Afro Pop Afrobeat world, I like Tiwa Savage, Femi Kuti and Yemi Alade.

Do you follow a formula when you write?

Whatever comes to my mind that’s my formula.  I tend to have random ideas pop up in my mind and would record the melody if I am cleaning up, driving or even sitting down at my desk job.  Then I go back and start writing to the melody.  There are days when I can just sit in the studio, listen to a track and just top write.  Sometimes it takes me about 10 minutes to write one song.  Then go back and tweak it a bit before recording.

How do you feel about the internet in the music business?

There are ups and downs with both.  But I would say the internet is probably the best thing that has happened to the music industry.  Especially for new and upcoming artists who are going the independent route.  In the beginning when the internet first started on the music wave and we started to get away from physical CD.  It was a bit skeptical, because labels and individuals where very weary about piracy.  How much easier and accessible it was for music to just be put out there for free.  But I like how companies like YouTube, Spotify and Apple iTunes decided to stream. It helps artist major and indie be able to still monetize and make a profit from streaming platforms.  Now that’s the easiest and first thing for individuals to listen to your music, especially for millennials.  If you hear a song you like you can just go look it up on YouTube or pull it up on Apple iTunes.

Which song you have written is your favorite and why?

I have about two songs I have written, one is unreleased.  So I am not going to give much detail about it and the other would be my single which is dropping soon called “Connect”.  “Connect” took about 30 minutes to write, it is produced by a local Dallas producer named Demsa.  I connected with Demsa, who was an old family friend.  I saw what he was doing with the music industry here in Dallas and taking it by storm, so I wanted to jump on the wave.  But we got together, I gave him my thoughts and perspective on the afrobeat Afropop market. I told him I was interested in going back to my roots and exploring, but I still wanted to be able to have people vibe to my music here in the states.  So he created the track from some samples I sent and it was created.  My second song called “Better” was written five minutes after I had just gotten out of a relationship, that had ended due to infidelity.  That’s one of my favorites, because it came straight from the heart.

Any upcoming projects coming up that you would like to share with readers?

Right now I am planning on releasing several singles before releasing a full EP.  Including a lyric dance video for my upcoming song “Connect”.

What’s a random hobby you’ve always wanted to try but never have?

I have always wanted to skydive and learn how to fly.  Maybe that’s one thing I can put in my New Years Resolution in 2020.

What are the three most interesting things about you? 

I am a Leo.  Leo’s always tend to take charge and are workaholics.  French is one of my first languages, so I am wanting to incorporate that into my music as well.  I love to be a helping hand, sometimes I can be extra.  If I had enough money in the world to build a large compound or community I would literally put all displaced individuals there to get a better start at life again.  I also love animals, so I tend to also take in stray kittens and dogs sometimes.  I forget that I am a workaholic, so I don’t have time for animals.  So I turn them at the ASPCA.

What’s one thing that brings a smile to your face no matter the day or time?

Seeing other people happy.  If I walk into a room of other artists or coworkers if I see you smile and see you having a great day.  It turns my mood all the way up.  I could be down but it’s an energy that I feel as long as that energy is vibrant I tend to receive it too.  I am definitely into the chakras and energy stuff.

What’s your best childhood memory?

I vividly remember growing up in the Ivory Coast.  I am A first generation American born Nigerian, but grew up the first eight years of my life in Abijian Cote Divoire.  I do remember my first interest in music.  Believe it was a talent show at age six for the preparatory school I went to.  I was so nervous unlike now, I can be as nervous but still own the stage.

Who in your life do you admire the most?  

My mother is an inspiration.  She has tough skin and I definitely get that from her.

How can everyone keep in contact with you on social media?

Instagram: adiatheofficial . Facebook: ADIIAOMUSIC . Twitter: adiatheofficial .