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Interview by: Jenny Salazar | August 22, 2022
J: When did you discover your love for singing?
Jiah: I first discovered my love for singing as a child. I was always around the house learning Beyoncé songs and dances to perform or just trying to learn how to play another song on the piano. My sister was a producer and piano player, so I got a lot of inspiration from her growing up; she even let me record my first song when I was 9.
J: What was the first concert you attended?
Jiah: The first concert that I attended was The Cheetah Girls. I remember it like it was yesterday, and of course, my mom had me in front row seats because she knew how much I loved The Cheetah Girls at the time.
J: How do you balance college and your singing career? And what are you majoring in college?
Jiah: Balancing music in college is definitely not easy, but I'm [currently maintaining] my major in the college music industry so everything goes hand-in-hand with what I'm doing in my music career. I'm thankful to be in college and able to major in something I'm passionate about, and I feel like I'm perfecting my craft every day.
J: What advice would you give other college students pursuing their dreams?
Jiah: I say don't waste your time doing things that you don't love and waste more time doing things that you do love. I wish I had the balls to major in what I wanted earlier in my college career instead of listening to other voices. [Still], we only get one life, so do what you want; nothing is impossible, and consistency is a big W.
J: What's your favorite track off your newest album, Wait, Let Me Be Honest? And why is it your favorite track?
Jiah: My favorite track off of "Wait, Let Me Be Honest" is probably "Outsider". Only because I freestyled that one by myself while at college, so It really means a lot to me, and it's also my most streamed song in such little time, so it feels like I have really accomplished something when it comes to my sound with that song, the world seems to love it.
J: What's Cloud 9 (your latest single) about, and is it about a specific person? If it is about a particular person, do you think they've listened to it and know it's about them?
Jiah: I never like to say my music is about specific people but more [about] self-specific experiences that I go through in life, and yes, it does have to do with an experience that I just recently went through. I think they do know the song is about them, but I also think that they support me enough on the level so that it doesn't bother them, which are my favorite type of people.
J: If you could have a feature on any artist's track, who would it be?
Jiah: Drake hands-down or Lil Wayne.
J: Where do you go to find inspiration?
Jiah: Being in college makes it really easy to find inspiration, especially when you're at the best HBCU in the nation; shout out to FAMU. But I think also getting out and doing [fun things] gives good inspiration and being around people [who] make you happy.
J: What do you enjoy doing when you're not performing or studying?
Jiah: I like listening [to] and making music, of course. But when I'm not doing that, I like to go to Pinterest and make mood boards getting inspiration for my brand.
J: How is your hair brand Dream Curls doing, and what inspired you to create it?
Jiah: My brand is doing great. I just started it, so slowly but surely will get it to where I want it to be. I fell in love with my natural hair and just recently dyed it about a year ago, so I really wanted something that I could show for with my hair growth. I didn't think reaching my dream curl pattern was possible, but I'm currently doing it, so I want everyone else to be able to do the same!