Abdulsalam Suliyat Modasola aka Liya
Liya
Abdulsalam Suliyat Modasola, known professionally as Liya, is a Nigerian singer and songwriter. She was born in 1999 in Lagos State, Nigeria, and was raised in Ketu, Alapere, and later Ikorodu.
Liya developed an interest in music at an early age, drawing inspiration from her environment, including church music, Arabic school music classes, and traditional African sounds. She attended the University of Ilorin, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Linguistics and Yoruba Language.
In 2020, Liya gained widespread recognition after being introduced by Davido as the first female artist signed to Davido Music Worldwide (DMW). Following her signing, she released her debut single Melo, accompanied by a music video featuring Davido. The song marked her arrival on the Nigerian music scene and showcased her unique Afro-fusion sound.
In 2021, Liya released her debut extended play, Alari, which received positive reviews from critics and fans alike. The project featured songs such as Melo, Adua, and Love On Me, highlighting her vocal range and artistic versatility. She later released the remix of Adua featuring Simi, further expanding her audience.
Known for blending Afrobeats with soul, contemporary African sounds, and elements of traditional music, Liya cites artists such as Angélique Kidjo, Asa, and Shola Allyson among her musical influences. Following her departure from DMW in 2023, she continued her career as an independent artist, releasing new music and evolving her sound.
