We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Nyah Zo. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Nyah below.
Nyah, thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?
My resilience lies in my strength, and my strength comes from God. I’m able to see that each failure is a learning opportunity and a quicker way to get to my yes. My vision and my passion drive me. Knowing that I have a gift from God, I hold the power to change not only my life, but my family’s life, and my friends and younger generations to come. One of my goals is to ensure whatever I create outlives me and leaves and impact so large on the world that people change their way of thinking and living for the better I’m not saying I know it all but what I do know is love, peace, joy, and freedom, and I plan to express that along with growth in my journey as a musician… a creative. Isn’t that the point? We can change the world around us, but the change starts from within. I’ve worked so hard to get to where I am today and I am able to look at myself and be proud. It would like be throwing dirt in God’s face if I didn’t show up and show out every single day that I had air in my lungs. Each day is a blessing. It is not guaranteed and I plan to use it to be the best version of myself each and every day.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I am a 26-year-old Singer, Songwriter, Model, Creator, LLC, who defines myself by the concept of being LIMITLESS. I refuse to be confined by boundaries or limitations, continuously striving to exceed any expectations set before me. Music has been a part of my life since I could talk, but I officially began my career in 2017. With Sicilian roots and a foundation built in New York, my cultural background plays a significant role in shaping my artistry.
In 2021, I released my EP ‘Flourish’, a project centered around themes of self-growth and love. This body of work reflects my personal journey—embracing change, growth, and the transformative power of love. ‘Flourish’ allowed me to connect with listeners on a deeper level, and it was a significant milestone in my career. My music is streaming on all platforms, across the globe.
Now, I’m gearing up for the release of my debut album in 2025. This album will take my musical journey to the next level, with new sounds, fresh perspectives, and even more personal storytelling. My music allows me to display my growth as an Artist and Woman. I’m excited to share this next chapter with my audience and continue evolving as an artist.
A crucial part of my artistry has been the visual content that accompanies my music. I’m fortunate to work closely with my best friend Jon, the CEO of Insomne Media, who helps bring my vision to life through stunning visuals. I’ll never forget how it all started—our very first music video was conceived while we were sitting in my shed, brainstorming ideas. From that humble beginning, we’ve created a range of music videos that reflect my growth as an artist. Together, we filmed “The C.O.” in Costa Rica and “Mojada” in Medellín, Colombia—experiences that were not just about the locations, but about our journey as a creative team. Jon’s creative vision and dedication to bringing out the best in me have been integral in shaping the visual identity of my brand.
We both started from the ground up, working together to build our individual businesses. Over time, we leveled up, and I’m proud to say that we’re both thriving to this day. Watching Jon grow Insomne Media into a powerhouse has been an inspiration, and it’s a testament to the power of persistence, collaboration, and believing in the vision. Our individual successes are a reflection of how far we’ve come, and we continue to support each other as we reach new heights.
Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of performing in some of the most vibrant cities on the East Coast, including New York City, Philadelphia, Jersey, and Long Island. These performances have allowed me to connect with my audience in person, share my energy, and grow as a live performer. Each stage I step on feels like home, and every crowd I face inspires me to push my artistry even further.
I’ve also had the privilege of collaborating with some incredibly talented individuals. To name a few, I’ve opened for Justina Valentine from Wild ‘N Out on tour in New York, and been in her music video ‘Damn’, worked with Jordan Coleman ‘Jayoo’ (son of the NYC mayor), and shared a meal with the legendary Mely Mel. I’ve also had the privilege of working with DJ Tone Experience, who has also become life long friend. Additionally, I attended a studio session with YG Marley, an experience that broadened my perspective and deepened my creative process.
One of the most rewarding aspects of my journey is recognizing how far I’ve come. There was a time when I was the one in the room who needed guidance and support. Today, I’m proud to say that I’m in a position where I can contribute and give back just as much as I’ve received. This shift has been empowering, and it’s a testament to my growth both as an artist and as a person. I’m incredibly grateful for my mother, who raised me as a single parent and taught me the importance of strength, independence, and resilience. Her example has shaped who I am today, and I carry her influence in everything I do.
Despite the challenges life throws my way, I’ve always felt a sense of purpose and guidance. I credit this resilience to my faith—God has continually placed me on top, no matter the obstacles. I feel truly blessed to do what I love and share my gift with the world. My mission is to inspire and empower others, particularly youth, to believe in themselves and chase their dreams with relentless determination.
I live by one simple principle: DO NOT be afraid of failure. Dive in full force, claim what belongs to you, and never settle for less than what you know you deserve. The world is yours for the taking, and if you can see it and believe it, you can achieve it. I’m just getting started, and the journey ahead is filled with limitless possibilities.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Looking back on my journey, I believe the three most impactful qualities that have shaped my growth as an artist are resilience, self-belief, and the gift of vision, listening/observation & perseverance/problem-solving, along with endless creativity.
1. Resilience has been crucial. There have been times when the road was tough, and the challenges seemed overwhelming, but it was my ability to bounce back, learn from setbacks, and keep moving forward that made the difference. I learned that failure isn’t the end; it’s just part of the process. Embracing failure as a learning experience rather than a roadblock has allowed me to grow and evolve.
For those early in their journey, I’d say don’t be afraid of failure. It’s inevitable, but it’s also where the most growth happens. Stay resilient, keep pushing, and know that every challenge is an opportunity to learn and improve.
2. Self-belief has been a cornerstone of my success. There were plenty of people who doubted me or didn’t understand my vision, but I’ve always believed in myself and my art, even when others didn’t. That belief kept me going when the path was unclear, and it allowed me to take risks, experiment, and ultimately succeed on my terms.
Develop and nurture your self-belief. Know that if you can see your dreams clearly and believe in your ability to make them a reality, you will find a way. Trust your instincts and don’t wait for external validation. Your vision is unique, and if you stay true to it, the world will come to appreciate it.
3. The gift of vision and endless creativity have been essential in shaping my artistic journey. From the beginning, I had a clear vision of what I wanted to create and who I wanted to be as an artist. The vision alone isn’t enough. I also developed the ability to listen to others, observe the world around me, and persevere through challenges by problem-solving and adapting to new situations. It’s not just about having ideas—it’s about making them come to life and evolving them constantly.
One piece of advice, Cultivate your vision—know where you want to go and see it clearly in your mind. Creativity is endless, so never limit yourself. Listen to your surroundings, learn from the world, and never stop pushing the boundaries of your imagination. And when things don’t go as planned, use your perseverance and problem-solving skills to adapt and keep moving forward. The ability to combine vision, creativity, and persistence is what will set you apart.
Overall, the key to success is persistence. The most important thing is to keep moving forward, even when it seems difficult. Trust the process, stay committed to your growth, and never underestimate the power of resilience, self-belief, vision, creativity, listening, observation, and problem solving. These are the qualities that have fueled my journey, and I’m confident they’ll do the same for anyone who chooses to walk this path.
Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?
When I feel overwhelmed, my first step is to identify the trigger—whether it’s an external factor or something I’ve created within myself. Once I understand the source, I take a moment to pause and reflect on how I can best respond.
If the stressor is external, I’ll remove myself from the situation or adjust my environment to regain some space and perspective. However, if the cause is internal, I make sure to look inward and assess where I might be putting unnecessary pressure on myself. Often times, being overwhelmed stems from unrealistic expectations or an inability to let go of things outside my control. In these moments, I focus on what I can change within myself—whether it’s my mindset, my approach, or my response to the situation.
One specific area where I tend to feel overwhelmed is when tasks start piling up. In these cases, I write everything down and create a prioritized list. This helps me get everything out of my head and organize it in a clear, manageable way. Once the tasks are on paper, I can see exactly what needs to be done, which removes the mental clutter and allows me to focus. Breaking down large tasks into smaller, actionable steps makes the process less daunting and more achievable.
When I still feel stressed despite having a plan, I turn to physical outlets like working out or going for a walk or sometimes I’ll let out a burst yell to get a quick release. These activities help clear my mind, release built-up tension, and help me return to my tasks with a fresh perspective. Writing is another tool I use to process my thoughts and gain clarity—whether it’s journaling or brainstorming, putting pen to paper helps me organize my ideas and emotions. Also often times where my words fail, I’ll turn to my pianos keys, to express my emotions with out words. Simply feelings.
If, after doing everything I can, I still feel stuck, I know it’s time to either step away completely or try a new approach. Sometimes, taking a break and coming back with a refreshed mindset is all I need to move forward more effectively.
For anyone feeling overwhelmed, I recommend creating a clear, prioritized list of tasks to organize your thoughts and get things out of your head. Once the mental clutter is cleared, it’s easier to tackle each item step-by-step. If that doesn’t help, try incorporating physical activities like exercise or a walk to reset. And if things still aren’t working, don’t be afraid to step back and regroup. Being overwhelmed is temporary, and with the right strategies, it can be managed.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nyahzo/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Nyah-Zo/100079951238993/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@nyahzo
Image Credits
@InsomneMedia, @NicoleeRochellee, @radomskiy_photographer, @ByronDBur816
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