Schia (pronounced Shy-ya) is an emerging star on the Ghanaian music scene, whose distinctive blend of rap and melody has been turning heads. The United Kingdom-based Ghanaian singer launched her music career in September 2023 with "La Vida Loca," a feel-good song with Caribbean influences. Written by Schia and produced by legendary Ghanaian producer Jayso, "La Vida Loca" sees love taking center stage. It was initially conceived as a form of "pain relief" to cope with the challenges of her past. However, this track has evolved into a profoundly positive anthem that reflects the 29-year-old's newfound mental strength and happiness. 

Despite debuting at 29, Schia had always loved music as a child. She began stealing the spotlight with captivating performances in school singing and dancing competitions, leaving audiences in awe of her talent. The American pop star Michael Jackson, whom Schia recalls admiring since she was four, fueled her passion for music and performance. As she grew older, she fell in love with hip-hop and rap thanks to iconic stars like Nicki Minaj and the Ghanaian rapper Sarkodie. Singers like Beyonce, Nigeria's Tems, and Efya from her homeland, Ghana, further ignited a passion for singing in Schia. 

An avid music lover, Schia noticed a void in the African music scene, particularly in female rap. She began sharing videos of herself lip-syncing to popular songs to fill the void. From there, she gained a little confidence to try freestyling. This led to Schia posting freestyle covers of songs like "Second Sermon" by Ghanaian rapper Black Sherif. She also participated in open-verse challenges, including "Area Codes" by American rapper Kali, improving her songwriting skills. 

 After gaining confidence, she dropped her first single on September 6, 2023. "La Vida Loca" introduced music lovers to Schia's artistry and musical style, a seamless weave of genres. Following her debut, Amaka Studio spoke to Schia about gaining confidence to start her music career. 

Amaka Studio: What made you use Schia as your stage name? 

Schia: Schia originated from half of my real name, Natashia. When I looked up the meaning, it meant "gift from God." That is when I knew I had found my stage name. 

Amaka Studio: Despite loving music from an early age, you officially debuted in your late twenties. Were there any hindrances to starting a music career at an early age? 

Schia: Self-doubt and lack of confidence. I did not think I could create music. I was good at lip-syncing. The people around me had to convince me I was good, and I later found out I was great at this rap thing. 

Amaka Studio: Tell us more about when you doubted yourself as an artist. 

Schia: When I started doing my freestyles, that was the first time I experienced internet trolls. Honestly, they got to me a little bit. They made me think I was not it, but I admit it gave me such a boost later. I improved my craft thanks to my experience with internet trolls. 

Amaka Studio: Can you share specific moments or experiences that helped you overcome your self-doubt?

Schia:  I gained confidence while trying to figure out my style. The feedback at the time was I sounded very Americanized. That is because I mostly listen to American rap. So I had this phase where I was trying to figure out how to be myself but still represent the motherland. I am still a work in progress. But what is to come is extraordinary.

Amaka Studio: How has your journey from posting to freestyles to releasing your first original song changed your perspective on your artistry? 

Schia: For freestyles, it is easier to formulate something because someone has already set the style of the song. Doing your music is building from scratch. I remember harmonizing my debut ‘la Vida Loca," and the final result was crazy. It has made me view music as cooking. I now have an understanding of music being food for the soul. 

Amaka Studio:  Who makes up your career support system?

Schia: Jayso! I stressed that man out. Anytime I finish a verse, I send him a voice note. I am sure we have four albums worth of music in our media in the last year haha. I also met some beautiful people on Twitter that I share stuff with. Also, my brother and best friend have greatly supported me. 

Amaka Studio: Are there elements in "La Vida Loca" that resonate with your journey of self-discovery and confidence building? 

Schia: Most definitely, that song is a feel-good song. It made me realize you do not need to do too much all the time. I just want people to hear it and feel happy. 

Amaka Studio: What are your aspirations following your debut? 

Schia:  I want people to see the growth. I want to be the example of not just saying you are going to do it, be it. I am here to break boundaries. 

Connect with Schia on Twitter, TikTok, and Instagram, and listen to "La Vida Loca" on your preferred streaming platform.