Spotlight: Ahkyah



Written by: Chris Arencibia





If you’re from the City of Brotherly Love (or know anything about music history) you’ll know that the city has long been a breeding ground for musical innovation. Tracing as far back as the 1940s and 50s, Philly Soul officially took root with the rise of the iconic Philadelphia International Records in the 1970s, birthing timeless classics and shaping the sound of generations. Artists like The O'Jays, Patti LaBelle, and Teddy Pendergrass not only dominated the charts but also defined a cultural movement that built the foundation of today’s popular R&B music.


Today, Philadelphia remains fertile ground for up-and-coming artists to break out, with one of the most vibrant R&B scenes you’ll find anywhere in the world. Drawing from the historic roots of the city, a new generation of artists are carving their own path in the genre. One of those artists - Ahkyah - is poised to write her own chapter into this history. We had the pleasure to sit down following her performance at Skylyne’s Summer Series to chat about her inspirations, process, and upcoming EP.






SKYLYNE: Hi Ahkyah! It was so amazing having you at the Skylyne Summer Series, you killed it! I’d love to know more about your background and what made you want to pursue music?


Ahkyah: My name is Ahkyah, originally from NJ, but living here in Philadelphia. I am a 23 year old musician, and a recent graduate of The University of the Arts here in Philly. Music has always been a part of my life starting from when I was a child. My father played piano and my mother was always playing oldies. I began writing my own music when I was 7 and I started to play instruments by the age of 18.


SKYLYNE: Writing your own music at 7?! Wow, at that age I was still learning that I shouldn't eat Play-Doh. What led to your decision to major in vocal performance at University of the Arts?


Ahkyah: I knew that I wanted to further my education and move away and study and make my dreams a reality. One of my friends told me about Uarts. I was sold from my audition day. I really enjoyed the city vibe and loved that there were many opportunities unlike back home.


SKYLYNE: For sure, Philly is obviously such a hotbed for upcoming and established musicians alike. How has the city shaped you as an artist?


Ahkyah: Philadelphia has embraced young African American artists and has made such a big impact in the R&B, Jazz and Soul genre. I enjoy the vibrancy here, the people, the culture, and most importantly the music.


SKYLYNE: Absolutely, so many legends have come out of Philadelphia. Speaking of legacy, what’s your personal benchmark for “making it” in music?


Ahkyah: Personally for me, "making it" is me being able to live comfortably off of my musical works. I will have worked with all the people that I desired and I’m living my dreams. The same dreams that I dreamt when I was just a child. I do not desire fame. I do not desire to be a millionaire. I want my music to touch people, heal people, be a voice for the voiceless. Also to simply inspire.






SKYLYNE: We’re so excited to hear your debut EP this year! What has your biggest challenge been during this process?


Ahkyah: The biggest challenge for me while recording this EP was trusting myself. I wrote most of these songs 3 to 4 years ago so they’re old to me. I tend to overthink so I had to talk to myself and believe in myself that what I had was good enough. That the stories in the lyrics I have are meant to be heard and meant to be shared. You never know what anyone is going through. So I want my music to touch people the way that my favorite musicians' songs do.


SKYLYNE: You mentioned this upcoming project is R&B with inspirations from Jazz, Hip-Hop, and Gospel. Who are some of those favorite musicians that have inspired you the most?


Ahkyah: Yes. Ella Fitzgerald's sweetness in tone of voice. HER's smooth and rich lyrical delivery. The power of Beyoncé, Kierra Sheard and Jazmine Sullivan. The angelic tone of Halle Bailey and Jhene Aiko...


SKYLYNE: Yesss such amazing artists. As a new artist yourself, what do you think is the biggest challenge for creatives just starting out in the music industry?


Ahkyah: Comparison. I myself have done it [just like] many others. As new and upcoming artists we have the desire to be the name in lights, wanting the exposure and admiration too soon. Vision is so important, but you are not less talented if you’re not there. Everyone's journey is different and it may take the next person sooner or later than you. Stay on course and don’t abort the plan. What's for you will be for you. When a door closes another must open. Stay on track.





SKYLYNE: That's an awesome perspective to have. When you're approaching your own music strategy, do you think it’s more important to have a really strong live show or perfect music recordings?


Ahkyah: I believe that both are necessary. When you see your fave perform live, it’s an experience that is like no other. In the studio you can electronically do things to alter the voice. Or you can have the voice with no stage presence. I think that having a really strong stage presence and personality is vital. It’s important for audiences to connect live to the person on the track.


SKYLYNE: If you could collaborate with any musician or artist, dead or alive, who would it be?


Ahkyah: I would love to collaborate with the artist HER. I am inspired by her message and what she does for R&B. She wears so many musical hats and is so genuine to the love of music. She makes the girlies who love the music and want it to be about the music feel seen. Like myself!


SKYLYNE: I guess I'm one of those girlies, because I love HER. @HER if you're listening, reach out, let's set this up! Ahkyah, thanks so much for taking the time to chat with us! Here’s your spotlight - tell us what you have going on and what’s coming up.


Ahkyah: ​My new single LUV will be dropping this summer. Super excited for that one. It’s definitely a summer vibe song and I’m so excited for people to hear new music from me. I also just finished recording a mixtape that features the illest female artist in the city. Shout out to my girl Yelli Sneaks for having me on the project. It was super fun and such a dope experience to be a part of something like this.