Give us some background info as to who you are.
Nakaya: My name is Nakaya. I was born and raised in South Jamaica, Queens NY. I come from a close knit, hardworking family. My mother was an executive at a leading electronic company and is currently a pastor of her own church. My father worked his way to being an engineer at Flushing Hospital despite not knowing how to read or write. Unfortunately I didn’t attend college, but I do have a degree in the school of Hard Knocks. Music has been a part of me all my life, whether playing drums and singing in church, or writing my own music.
What is the significance of your name?
Nakaya: My name NAKAYA (nuh-kai-yuh) is Swahili for “The Ruler.”
Who is your target market?
Nakaya: Hip Hop lovers. The genre has grown so wide and encompasses so many different groups of people. Whoever loves hip hop will love my music.
What is your USP? (Unique Selling Proposition) and what sets you apart from other Hip Hop artists?
Nakaya: The way I merge Hip Hop and R&B together seamlessly.
What single or project are you currently pushing?
Nakaya: My single “AYO” and NAKAYA as a brand.
What is the philosophy by which you live by?
Nakaya: If you desire peace prepare for war. Always be prepared and ready for the unexpected.
Which artists have inspired you?
Nakaya: Many artists have inspired me in different ways and for different reasons. Puff, Jay and 50 for example have made great business moves. Nas, Bruno Mars, and Drake are great artists with undeniable talent. The Lox, Fab, Fred the Godson, Joel Ortiz, all great lyricist. Maino, Papoose and Mysonne I admire for their realness.
Who does your production?
Nakaya: No one person at the moment. Various producers.
What is your opinion of the current state of the music industry?
Nakaya: At the end of the day, everything has to come back to core of hip hop, which is lyricism, realism and talent. I feel a transition, but we are not quite there.
If you can change one thing about the music industry what would it be and why?
Nakaya: Unsigned artists with talent being signed as opposed to gimmicks.
What producer would you like to collaborate with in the future?
Nakaya: I would like to do a track with Just Blaze.
What is your favorite movie and favorite book?
Nakaya: My favorite movie is 300. An out numbered few standing on their principles against an army who has sold their souls to go with the majority. As for books, Harry Potter hands down.
What is your favorite part of your live show? How has it evolved?
Nakaya: My live show has evolved by me adding dancers. I like that because it enhances showmanship
What is your LP going to be like?
Nakaya: A balance between commercial and street hip hop.
Any final words for the people.
Nakaya: Seize your moment and always be ready.
