iYA

iYA, born Nkhosiyabongwa Dlamini, is a musician from Eswatini

Her music career began as a member of The Afroctaves band. In 2015, the band entered the T55 National Talent Search competition and made it to the semi-finals. Since then, iYA has participated in numerous recordings as a session singer, writer and vocal arranger. Her sound is a blend of soul, RnB and Modern/contemporary Jazz. She attributes Gospel and the 90’s Soul/RnB to her Childhood early music development.

iYA draws inspiration from God, as well as soul/jazz musicians like Robert Glasper, Esperanza Spalding, H.E.R. and PJ Morton. She has also been influenced by the likes of Erika Badu, Moonchild, Alex Isley, Cleo Sol to name a few.