Naya Yeira - Hopefully (Official Video) + 10 Questions
Picture Credit: Riandara Pratama
Jakarta-born, London-based rising star Naya Yeira is back with her highly anticipated second single, ‘Hopefully’. The soulful alt-R&B track, released today, showcases Naya’s signature blend of mesmerising vocals and genre-defying style.
Speaking about ‘Hopefully,’ Naya says: “Hopefully is about craving something so deeply it hurts - an obsession so intense I’d rather sink or swim than face the idea of it not working out. But it’s not just about romance - it’s about manifesting anything you truly desire with intensity. At the same time, it’s a warning: hold on too tight, and you might end up pushing it away.”
The track is a collaborative creation, co-written by Naya Yeira, Superbeats, Té Eugene, and Joe Gosling, with production by Superbeats. ‘Hopefully’ exudes poise and confidence, delivering an empowering message of self-assurance. The track’s catchy chorus showcases Naya’s vocal range, while its sing-rap elements and emotive soundscape highlight her versatility and growth, offering a glimpse of her musical journey ahead.
The visualiser for ‘Hopefully’ is a mix of distorted reality, capturing the emotional chaos of feeling disconnected. Shot in a raw, DIY style with a futuristic edge, it creates a uniquely intense and emotive visual.
This release follows Naya’s debut single, ‘Peace of Mind’, which dropped last year. A heartfelt post-breakup ode to self-love, which blended R&B, pop, and hip-hop influences into an ethereal soundscape. The track’s lyrics are steeped in honesty, showcasing her powerful vocals and distinct sound. ‘Peace of Mind’ received glowing support from DIY, The Independent, TLOBF, VIPER, Wordplay, New Wave Magazine, EQUATE and more.
The accompanying video is a retro homage that nods to the 90s, merging cool interfaces into a collage with Naya's performance. She worked closely with the director to capture Y2K cybercore vibes, with everything happening inside a glitchy Nokia 3310. Watch here. Adding to her growing recognition, Naya’s music has even caught the attention of legendary producer Timbaland, who recently shared her single ‘Peace of Mind’ on Instagram, praising her talent and unique sound.
At just 23 years old, Naya Yeira’s artistry is rooted in her rich cultural background. Raised in Jakarta on a blend of traditional Indonesian music alongside Western R&B and rock, she developed her skills as a vocalist and pianist from a young age. With her bags packed to study computing in Toronto, Naya made the bold choice to pursue her passion for music instead, and the first song she wrote earned her a place at the prestigious BIMM music institute in London.
During the pandemic, Naya was forced into a hiatus and returned to Jakarta. There, she did a series of self-releases that quickly gained attention from national broadcasters and a growing audience. However, after returning to London, she faced challenges with the UK immigration system, which much to her frustration, prevented her from releasing music until they were resolved.
Naya has since captivated audiences at intimate venues and open mic nights across London. Last year, she performed at Kindred in Hammersmith as part of their new artists’ showcase and supported Jem Wax at Camden Chapel. This March, Naya will be performing at The Grace in Islington on the 16th as part of the Asian Tones series. Her live performances continue to draw attention as she solidifies her reputation as an artist to watch.
As Naya Yeira’s journey unfolds, ‘Hopefully’ marks an exciting milestone in her career. With her deep cultural roots and dedication to her craft, Naya is set to inspire and captivate audiences worldwide with new music and live performances on the horizon!
Naya Yeira sat down with Wordplay Magazine to answer our infamous 10 Questions:
1. So tell me, how did it all begin? What sparked your love for music?
Music has always been the truest expression of who I am. Growing up in Jakarta, I found myself drawn to the music my parents played - everything from Motown classics, R&B, and Rock, to soulful Indonesian ballads. It gave me a foundation, but my passion truly ignited when I started to explore music on my own.
2. Who are some artists that influence you and that you want to work with in the future?
I’m inspired by artists who bring raw emotion and innovation to their work. FKA Twigs and Billie Eilish shaped my sound, but R&B artists like SZA and Kehlani have had a huge influence too. Their ability to weave storytelling into soulful melodies resonates deeply with me. Collaborating with James Blake or someone like Kehlani would be a dream - I admire artists who create music that feels both intimate and limitless.
3. What projects do you have coming up and can you give us any info on them?
Yes! I’m working towards an EP right now that I’m excited about. It’s a blend of ethereal sounds mixed with gritty beats, exploring themes like obsession, love, freedom, and finding clarity in chaos. I want it to feel like stepping into a vivid dream - beautiful, disorienting, and a little haunting.
4. How would you describe your sound?
My sound is cinematic and raw, with a restless energy. It blends dreamy melodies with gritty, textured beats, and my vocals are always at the core - sometimes soft and intimate, other times fierce and unapologetic.
5. What's your proudest moment to date so far as an artist?
Performing at the Lalala Festival in Jakarta was great last year, it was lovely to reconnect with where I am originally from. But one of my most personal proud moments was playing at Ronnie Scott’s. When I started, no one was paying attention, and the room was scattered. But as soon as I began singing, people started gathering, and by the end, it was silent - just me and the music filling the space. It felt like I had earned that moment, and it’s something I’ll never forget.
Picture Credit: Sharouk Paranamathan
6. Do you have any advice for our readers who may be trying to play the mad game of music?
Trust your instincts and be true to your vision, no matter how unconventional it might feel. But also, stay open to growth. And most importantly, surround yourself with people who uplift and support you. This industry is tough, but having a solid team makes all the difference.
7. Are there any artists on your radar right now that we should check out?
Yes! Sailorr is one to check out. I love her music her iconic black grills and overall aesthetic. FKA Twigs’ latest album is stunning - I’ve been diving into it a lot. And there’s this song called "Garam & Madu" by Tenxi, which is a really fun mix of hip-hop and Indonesian folk music. It’s incredible to see Southeast Asian artists making waves.
8. What albums are on heavy rotation on your Spotify playlist currently?
FKA Twigs’ "Eusexa," SZA’s "SOS Deluxe," and Doechii’s "Alligator Bites Never Heal." Also, Hailey Knox has been on repeat - I think her sound is so refreshing.
9. What do you like to do when you're not making music?
When I’m not making music, I often experiment with 3D art software or immersing myself in video games. Both are like creative escapes for me, and they feed into my artistic vision in unexpected ways.
10. Name three things you can't live without when in the studio?
A hot drink to warm up my voice, my phone for inspiration and voice notes, and of course, my mic and headphones - the essentials.