TikTok favourite Aqyila, is making a name for herself in the Canadian music scene. Born Taahira Aquiyla Duff, she was raised in the Toronto neighbourhood of Downsview in a Jamaican household. Her childhood was filled with Caribbean culture which heavily inspires her music. Her family was overall musically talented as well, with her sister and cousin both vocally gifted. Aqyila uses her love of the gospel, R&B, jazz, and neo-soul genres to inspire her sound, while infusing the roots of her upbringing. She places musicians like Fred Hammond, Donnie McClurkin, Buju Banton, and Bob Marley as her idols.

She began writing at a young age and would go on to turn her poetry into lyrics at the start of her music career. Her first single “Vibe for Me (Bob for Me)” (2021) received over 10 million streams worldwide; she has since become a TikTok viral favourite with hit songs including “Pressure”, “OH”, and “Hello”. “Hello” earned her the 2024 JUNO award for Traditional R&B/Soul Recording of the Year. Her recent hit “Bloom” soared on Spotify’s Daily Viral 50 chart in 21 countries and amassed over 44 million streams in just a few months. The track won Contemporary R&B Recording of the Year at the 2025 JUNO Awards. During the ceremony, she gave a soulful gospel inspired cover of Tate McRae’s “Greedy”, solidifying her as one to watch in the Canadian music scene.