W: Rachel June

ASBO Magazine sat down with the R&B superstar in the making, AKIA. Warm, witty and full of energy, she brings 90s nostalgia to life. She looks up to the queens of 90s R&B - Monica, Mary J Blige - and draws inspiration from their sound. 

She was destined to sing. Her mum held headphones to her pregnant stomach while AKIA partied in the womb. “I always used to sing as a kid”, she reminisced. “I was always shy, but I started to sing at school talent shows, singing the national anthem at the games, and I started to love it. My granny was a DJ, she adds, DJ Sugar Bear” (shout out!). Music runs in the family. From Betty Wright to Al Green and Johnnie Taylor, the soul artists of the 60s and 70s shaped AKIA’s love of music. 

AKIA hit the studio at age 15 with her own agenda and her own sound. Her fashion turns heads. “Yeahh, I think I’ve got a little swag!” she laughs. 90’s icon Aaliyah inspires her looks. “She’s swaggy but sexy.” Lyrically, she draws from her own experiences and works with the vibe when writing. “I like working with people”, she adds. Each song has its own vibe and energy - all stamped with AKIA’s signature flair. Her music is playful, just like her. “I’m truly myself. I’m goofy, energetic, and a lot of people tell me I’m confident”.

AKIA admits she’s hard on herself, a perfectionist, and sometimes frustrated when progress feels slow. Advising others, she echoes that. “Music is supposed to be fun; music is a feeling. There are too many rules that mean we overthink sometimes. Music is a way to express. Just keep that in mind, and you will be okay!”

AKIA is touring with Mariah The Scientist and gives a special shout-out to her. “I love the energy that the crowd gives me”, she beams. Music is her superpower, and she’s soaking up every bit of the glory. On repeat for AKIA right now is the “Slept on” artist Brandy with ‘When You Touch Me’. 

Finally, AKIA leaves a message for anyone chasing a dream in music. “You may not see the progress, but if you feel that special feeling, keep going. It doesn’t matter where you come from, what anyone tells you…just keep going!” 

In 2026, she’s set to keep performing live, making music, and doing exactly what she does best. Stay tuned for her inevitable rise to glory.