Layyah Is Stepping Into Her Power

South London’s rising star Layyah has been carving out her own lane ever since making history as the first female winner of BBC’s The Rap Game UK. Blending soulful R&B textures with UK rap, dancehall, and Afro-swing, her sound is as layered as the woman behind it — warm, intentional, and unapologetically honest. With her latest single “Feel Like,” Layyah steps further into her artistic identity, embracing softness and strength in equal measure. Fizzy Mag caught up with the multi-talented artist to talk growth, sisterhood, creative freedom, and what this next chapter means for her.

Hi Layyah!  How are you today, and how’s your day been so far?

 

I’m good, honestly. Today’s been calm but productive, one of those days where I’ve been able to reset a bit, catch my breath, and tap back into the creative side. Can’t complain at all.

 

You made history as the first-ever female winner of BBC’s The Rap Game UK. How has that experience shaped your confidence and approach to your music?

 

Winning the Rap Game was a turning point. It proved to me that what I bring to the table is worthy not just as a rapper, but as a whole artist. It made me trust my instincts more. I’m way more intentional now, less afraid to experiment, and much clearer on the message I want to carry.

You’re from South London and have such a strong connection to the area. How has growing up there shaped your sound and your approach to music?

 

South raised me. The energy, the rawness, the humor, the resilience, all of that lives in my music. Growing up around such diversity means I’ve always been exposed to different sounds, cultures, and stories. It shaped how I see the world and definitely how I express it in my art.

 

 

‘Feel Like’ has such a natural flow, blending R&B textures with UK afro swing and dancehall. Can you walk us through the creative moment in the studio when the track came to life?

 

‘Feel Like’ was one of those sessions where everything clicked. The beat came on, and it just had this warmth and bounce that made me feel playful but still grounded. I didn’t overthink it. I went straight for melody first, then started layering those pockets of softness and attitude. It felt like a moment of honesty, just letting the vibe lead.

 

Your music blends R&B, UK rap, R&B drill cadence, and Afro-swing. How did you develop such a unique sonic signature?

 

I’ve always been a music sponge. I never limited myself to one genre growing up, so naturally, my sound became a fusion of everything I love. Over time, I learned how to weave them together in a way that still feels like me, the cadence, the tone, the storytelling. It’s not forced, it’s just how I hear music.

‘Feel Like’ balances intimacy with playful flirtation and strength with softness. How do you navigate bringing those contrasts to life in your songs?

 

I think it’s because I’m all of those things. I don’t believe women have to choose between soft and strong; we’re all layered. So when I write, I tap into whatever side feels most real in that moment. It’s about embracing my femininity without losing my edge.

Sisterhood, self-worth, and perseverance are recurring themes in your work. How important is it for you to embed those messages into your music?

 

Very important. I want women, especially young girls, to hear my music and feel seen or uplifted. I grew up needing those voices, so now I want to be one. Even when I’m making a fun track, there’s usually a message underneath about knowing your value.

Your influences range from Lauryn Hill and Missy Elliott to Tupac and Motown legends. How do these artists inspire the way you write and perform today?

Lauryn taught me vulnerability, Missy taught me creativity without boundaries, Pac taught me conviction, and Motown taught me soul and storytelling. I carry pieces of all of them. They remind me to stay authentic and to always put intention behind my words.

Performing on stages from Amazon Music +44 to Krept & Konan’s concerts, how do you translate your studio sound into a live experience?

 

Live shows are where the music really breathes. I think about crowd energy, about making moments, not just performing songs. I might switch up arrangements or add more dynamics so people feel the emotion in real time. It’s about connection, not perfection.

South London has produced so many talented artists — how do you feel your area’s energy influences your lyrics and performances?

 

South has this fearless, hungry spirit. People here go hard, and that pushes me too. It keeps me honest in my lyrics, no sugarcoating, ⁹and it gives my performance that rawness you can’t fake.

You’ve worked with platinum-selling producers, like JB Made It. What’s the dynamic like collaborating with someone of that calibre, and how does it impact your sound?

 

Working with someone like JB is inspiring because he understands how to bring the best out of an artist. He gives me space to experiment but also challenges me in the right ways. It elevates my sound because the production feels intentional, refined, and still true to my essence.

Looking ahead, what do you want your fans and the wider UK music scene to take away from your next chapter?

 

I want people to feel my growth not just musically, but personally. This next chapter is about stepping into my power, owning my voice, and showing the full range of who I am as an artist. I want my fans to feel connected to the journey and the UK scene to see that there’s so much more to come from me.

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