Singer and songwriter Inayah is just getting started. Coined “The Jingle Queen” by her loyal fans who she refers to as her “’Inayahlators’, Inayah is known for her unique song covers that ultimately helped her rise to social media fame. Stream Inayah’s debut album S.O.L.A.R. [Inayahlator Enterprises/EMPIRE] now.
Her striking vocals and loud personality have gained her more than 1.6 million followers on Instagram. With nearly all of her videos going viral regularly, Inayah is definitely a familiar face.
Whether the singer is in the studio cooking up some heat, making a cameo or two in comedian BlameItOnKway’s IG skits or playing song association with popular YouTuber Terrell, Inayah is unapologetically herself at all times.
Now, she is proving that she is much more than a jingle making machine with her debut album S.O.L.A.R. which dropped December 13th.
The album features her latest sexy single “Suga Daddy.” On it, Inayah raves about her sexual escapades with a much older man who she can’t seem to get off her mind.
We got to talk with Inayah about her ideal Suga Daddy, her love for her hometown of Houston, Texas and how New Orleans bounce diva Big Freedia inspired her to keep going.
The Knockturnal: How did you get the name “The Jingle Queen”?
Inayah: My ‘Inayahlators’ gave me that nickname, and I love it! I’ve worked for a jingle company for about six years now, so creating jingles comes quite easily for me when an instrumental plays.
The Knockturnal: Your following on social media has been growing rapidly. Were you expecting such a heavy wave of feedback in such a short time? How are you handling the attention?
Inayah: I always knew that this would be my reality. I just never knew how it would be born. Indeed, I love the love but my son and I are both still trying our best to get used to it. It’s a big difference from being able to walk into a store to buy groceries to now having to order them online.
The Knockturnal: How would you describe your sound? You’re from Houston, so do you think your southern upbringing has influenced the type of music you make?
Inayah: I like to believe that I have a unique approach to the way I execute my music. I was raised on the beauty of gospel and blues, so I incorporate my southern roots into my projects indefinitely.
The Knockturnal: What artists/public figures from your city would you consider to be your “hometown heroes”?
Inayah: Beyonce, DJ Screw, Fat Pat, Big Moe, Trae Tha Truth, Lil Keke, Slim Thug…the list goes on! They made sure that the world “heard” Houston, they made them feel that shit!
The Knockturnal: You used to work for a jingle company prior to blowing up on social media. Has that helped you in your own songwriting? What comes first, the melody or the lyrics?
Inayah: I still work there, haha! I love my job! Working in that environment taught me to be a quick thinker when coming up with lyrics. It’s introduced me to so much versatility in music. I don’t prefer one over the other. I can begin a song with either melody or lyrics.
The Knockturnal: I saw on your Instagram that you’re a huge Big Freedia fan. Has she given you any helpful advice about the industry, or just life in general? Would that be a dream collaboration for you? Who would you love to collaborate with in the future?
Inayah: Yes indeed, I love me some Big Freedia, and the world knows it! She’s always very pleasant and inviting when I see her. She told me she was proud of me and to keep going and that’s exactly what I’m doing.
Freedia has always been one of my top dream collabs, so we’re working together in the near future for sure. You can bet on that! James Fauntleroy is also one of my dream collaborations.
The Knockturnal: Where do you find the inspiration for your songs? How did “Suga Daddy” come about?
Inayah: Most of my music is based on true events. When something impacts my life, I write it down and make a song out of it. “Suga Daddy” is a very real story!
The Knockturnal: Who would be your ideal “Suga Daddy”? It could be anyone, dead or alive.
Inayah: Denzel Washington. He’s handsome, and we could role play!
