Songstress Ila Nia is back on the music scene with her latest single ‘Girl a Bad’, a fearless anthem of confidence, resilience and unapologetic authenticity.
Known for her soulful voice and seamless fusion of Afro-fusion, R&B, and contemporary African rhythms, she has steadily been carving her space in East Africa’s vibrant music scene.
Her music, rich in bilingual lyricism and raw storytelling, connects with audiences across generations while celebrating empowerment and authenticity.
Speaking about her new release, she described ‘Girl a Bad’ as her most daring work yet. “Girl a Bad is my boldest chapter yet. It is a celebration of confidence, freedom, and owning my truth,” she said.
“It marks a new chapter for me as an artiste. It’s a bold comeback after a break, and it represents confidence, growth, and a stronger version of myself. It’s a statement piece showing my fans and the industry that Ila Nia is here to stay, unapologetic and unstoppable.”
The songbird first captured attention with her debut singles ‘Nataka’ and ‘Haya’.
The latter, a collaboration with veteran artiste Nameless, earned her the award for “Best Video Collaboration in East Africa by a New Act” at the 2025 Africa Arts Entertainment Awards.
She later released ‘Pon Me’, an empowering anthem about resilience and self-discovery, further solidifying her unique sound and message.
Reflecting on her musical journey so far, Ila Nia admits it has been one of patience and persistence. “My biggest lesson has been patience and consistency. Music is not an overnight journey. It takes resilience, discipline, and a lot of belief in yourself, even when things seem quiet. I’ve learned that growth happens behind the scenes, and staying true to your vision always pays off,” she explained.
Her artistry is deeply rooted in Afro-fusion, which she says allows her to stay connected to her roots while appealing to global audiences.
“I specialise in Afro-fusion because it gives me freedom of expression. I can blend Afrobeats, R&B, and soul while still staying true to my Swahili roots. It’s versatile, vibrant, and authentic to who I am.”
With ‘Girl a Bad’, she says she is not just marking her comeback but setting the stage for a bigger musical experience.
“I’m focused on giving my fans more music, live performances, and bigger collaborations. This is just the beginning. There are more projects lined up, and I want to keep pushing boundaries with my sound, connecting deeper with my audience, and representing Kenyan talent on a global stage,” she said.