Whether you're obsessed with it or are totally freaked out by it, the power of TikTok is undeniable. Ok, I know that sounds scary, but hear me out. The all-too-powerful algorithm has connected communities, raised awareness of different issues worldwide, and even launched careers.

One of those careers being that of Aqyila, a Mississauga-based R&B singer and songwriter. Her TikTok hit "Vibe For Me (Bob For Me)" went viral, which went on to be covered by Lizzo, and eventually caught the ear of Sony Music, who has since signed her.

We caught up with Aqyila about her TikTok journey, her musical beginnings and more.

Malaika for Also Cool: Hi! Let's start with a little intro, who are you, and how did you get into music?

Aqyila: Hi! My name is Aqyila, and I'm Jamaican-Canadian. My mom's from Kingston, and my dad is from St. Thomas, but I was born here. I started singing when I was in grade five. I actually wrote a song for my mom at a talent show called "Momma," which she loved, of course. From there, I continued to write more and more songs over the years, filling up songbooks as I went. I started doing covers on YouTube and slowly transitioned to all the other socials media, and now have been focusing on TikTok.

Also Cool: What's the music scene in Mississauga?

Aqyila: It's cool! The whole set is really into hip-hop and R&B, and the vibe is just amazing. There's a ton of talent; it feels like a hidden gem. Until I got signed, I was doing everything alone in my room, but lately, I've been doing sessions with so many talented people.

Also Cool: I'm also obsessed with TikTok and have found it a great tool to connect with community, and I'm really interested in your experience with that.

Tiktok matches you with anything you like, and I interacted with a lot of singers and people who are into music.

Aqyila: It's funny because I never really took TikTok seriously; I had just downloaded it in quarantine, like everyone did. I tried to dance and stuff (laughs) initially, and then I said never again. I then tried makeup and lipsynching to random videos, but that didn't feel right either, so I decided to sing.

The first video I made didn't really go anywhere, so I kind of doubted myself, but I tried again and sang "Here" by Alessia Cara, and that one went viral. I started getting song requests and gained a following for my singing. After that, I did an Ariana Grande song, and then I did "Bob for Me." I was in my room, late at night, searching for beats to sing to on YouTube when I came across PDub's channel. He collabed with Thomas Crager on that song, and then he said, "Oh baby, it's the vibe for me," which initially inspired me. I didn't take it too seriously, though and put the video in my drafts and eventually posted it, not thinking too much of it. I went to the kitchen to make food, and when I came back, my phone was blowing up, and I was scared people were dragging me because you never know how TikTok can go, but people loved it! They were using it as a sound, wearing wigs, and doing dances, and it went viral.

Once it went viral, people were asking me to sing "vibe" instead of "bob" because they didn't own wigs, and once I did that, they asked me to write a whole song. It was December 26th, and I recorded the full song, asked the producers for permission to upload it on all the streaming platforms, and they were like, "Go for it!" After that, it hit 1 million streams in one month, with no ads or anything.

AC: It's crazy how fast things go viral! It's really 0-100.

Aqyila: For sure! I feel like it's great if you're a singer or a producer on the app, and you want to get yourself out there; you should just start posting! You never know what will happen.

AC: I think that's really great advice because people often get so in their heads about posting. I feel like Instagram has tried to make us perfect all the time, and TikTok feels so much better relaxed. You'll find people with who you connect, so it's easier just to be yourself.

What have you learned about yourself in this whole process? Whether it be in the context of the music industry or just on TikTok?

Aqyila: Haha, well, I'd say sleep! (laughs) I'm a night owl, and I'm always up late working, but I've learned to I need to rest. I'd also say that I've learned that I really like working with people because, like I said, I've always just been alone in my room, making music. It's a very different experience to collaborate so much, but I really enjoy it.

AC: So looking forward, what's next for you in 2021-22?

Aqyila: Well, for now, working with producers has been amazing, but I'm just going to be working really hard on my music in general! I have a music video coming out soon, and I'm hoping to come out with an EP as well.

Otherwise, I'm working hard on my brand LuxeBa; I'm going to start working on an inclusive and eco-friendly clothing line. I've been working on it on and off since 2018 but worked hard on my rebrand throughout 2020, and I'm just really excited for what's the come.

Stay tuned for her upcoming music video for “Vibe for Me (Bob for Me),” to be released on August 25th.

Aqyila

TikTok I Instagram I Facebook I Twitter

YouTube I Spotify

Malaika Astorga is the co-founder of Also Cool. She is a Mexican-Canadian visual artist, writer, and social media strategist currently based in Montreal.

Featured