NAYA YEIRA INTERVIEW: MY FAVOURITE MIXTAPE [FEATURE] BOLD ENGAGING INTERVIEW 2026
Naya Yeira Interview: At just 24 years old, Naya Yeira’s artistry is deeply rooted in her rich cultural background. Raised in Jakarta on a blend of traditional Indonesian music alongside Western alternative sounds, she developed her skills as a vocalist and songwriter from a young age. After making the bold choice to swap computing studies in Toronto for a music career in London, her very first song earned her a place at the prestigious BIMM institute.
Her journey hasn’t been without its setbacks. A pandemic-induced hiatus forced a temporary return to Jakarta, where a series of self-releases quickly gained national traction. Upon returning to London, frustrating UK visa challenges delayed her release schedule, but she used the time to quietly hone her craft and refine her experimental sound.
Since overcoming those immigration hurdles, Naya has been steadily building a name for herself on the London live circuit. Her stripped-back sets have spotlighted her vocal finesse at intimate venues like Kindred in Hammersmith, Camden Chapel, and The Grace in Islington for the Asian Tones series, whilst also taking the stage back home at Jakarta’s massive LALALAFest.
Following a standout run of initial singles—including her debut ‘Peace of Mind’ (which earned a co-sign from Timbaland) and the atmospheric Abbey Road-recorded ‘Wicked Games’, which picked up BBC Introducing’s Featured Artist of the Week—Naya returns with her brand new single, ‘twenty9’. Marking the beginning of a bold new chapter, the track combines moody, experimental alt-R&B textures with hypnotic melodies and raw, introspective songwriting. Born from a place of frustration and a desire for renewal, ‘twenty9’ introduces a fearless new era for an artist firmly navigating growth, identity, and belonging. We asked her about her favourite mixtape, read the full interview below…
What’s your favourite mixtape ever?
Doja Cat – ‘Purrr!’
Why is it so significant to you?
It felt so dreamy. I didn’t know music could feel like reading someone’s diary through a dream. It felt so personal and unhinged.
Were there any artists or producers that you discovered through this tape?
Doja Cat herself – it was before she got so big but she was already so iconic. I started getting into her versatility and flow. I also learned about Dream Koala this way, since Doja Cat sampled their track in ‘No Police’.
Where exactly were you when you heard the mixtape for the first time?
In my bedroom with headphones on, in Jakarta, I didn’t know I wanted to make music at that time but I always found it comforting listening to this.
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This interview is part of our long-form content series, now hosted exclusively on our Substack. To read the full conversation with Naya Yeira and gain access to our archive of deep-dives into the architects of Hip Hop and global culture, head over to the Viper Substack.
[READ THE FULL INTERVIEW HERE]
Photos by Ejatu Shaw
