Today we’d like to introduce you to Khiara Ayaba
Hi Khiara, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Hi there, it’s your songstress, Khiara Ayaba. I am an Afro-Caribbean artist, from Nassau, Bahamas, based in Houston, TX. My musical journey is a tapestry woven with various genres, including R&B, Pop, Soul, Dance, Electropop, Blues, Jazz, Rock, Caribbean, and African music.
Growing up in the warm-weathered tropics, rich in culture and color, I developed a deep love for music and fashion which led to establishing my mark in the music industry by becoming a recording artist/musical entertainer and becoming the owner and founder of Bahama Queen Boutique.
My musical journey began in my grandmother’s church, Annex Baptist Church, where I sang in the children’s choir. Recognizing my budding talent, my mom enrolled me in vocal lessons, and I joined the Bahamas National Children’s Choir. Under the direction of Ms. Audrey Dean-Wright and Dr. Patricia Bazard, my passion for music flourished, and I developed a deep appreciation for professionalism in entertainment, creating harmonies, and group singing.
As a teenager, I competed in local competitions and joined the Bahamas National Youth Choir. These choirs opened up a world of possibilities, allowing me to travel and share Bahamian culture globally through music. In 2003, I became a finalist in VH1’s singing reality show “Born To Diva,” which exposed me to a wider audience. This led to opportunities as a background vocalist for both Bahamian and American artists, performing across the US, Europe, and the Caribbean.
My beauty and charm also earned me the titles of Miss Teen Bahamas 2000 and Miss Bahamas Universe 2009, leading to my participation in the 2009 Miss Universe competition.
In 2014, I released the Pop/Dance single “Are You The One,” which climbed to #18 on Denmark’s Top 100 music charts and charted in Italy on the Italian DJ Charts. The following year, my debut soca release “Fly Away With Me” was featured in commercials promoting the Bahamas. In 2016, my song “Party Shutdown” was featured in the American film “Live Cargo,” starring Dree Hemingway and Keith Stanfield.
Embracing a new stage name in 2024, I became Khiara Ayaba, a name symbolizing regality and self-empowerment. My journey continues with the release of my new single “Closer 2 Shore” on March 1, 2024, and I’m currently working on a new solo project, an EP set for release later this year.
Music has always played an important and meaningful role in my life. From singing in my grandmother’s church choir to performing on international stages, each step has shaped who I am as an artist. The support from my family and friends has been invaluable, and I am excited for what the future holds.
Parallel to my musical career, I founded Bahama Queen Boutique. Bahama Queen Boutique, also known as BQB, was born for those unafraid to be everything they aspire to be, and to remind every little Bahamian kid that they can achieve anything they set their minds to. At BQB, we offer comfortable, affordable, and memorable products to keep you looking and feeling your best.
Khiara Ayaba’s story is one of continuous growth and exploration, fueled by my love for music and fashion.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The journey to where I am today has not always been smooth. Like many artists and entrepreneurs, I have faced several challenges along the way.
Balancing my roles as a performer and a beauty queen also posed its own unique challenges. Winning titles like Miss Teen Bahamas 2000 and Miss Bahamas Universe 2009 required immense dedication and hard work, often juggling between preparing for beauty pageants and honing my musical talents. Competing in the Miss Universe competition in 2009 was a dream come true, but it also demanded a high level of resilience and self-discipline.
Establishing myself in a new city after moving to Houston was another hurdle. It took time to build a new network and find opportunities within the West Indian community and beyond. Performing at private and public functions while trying to maintain my presence in the music industry required perseverance and adaptability.
Growing up in the Bahamas, I often felt that the world’s standard of beauty and fashion didn’t fully represent me. This lack of representation was a significant struggle, as it made it difficult to find role models and fashion that resonated with my identity. This challenge later became a driving force behind the creation of Bahama Queen Boutique, as I wanted to ensure that others didn’t feel the same way.
The transition to creating and running Bahama Queen Boutique came with its own set of entrepreneurial challenges. Ensuring the boutique provided comfortable, affordable, and memorable products involved a steep learning curve in understanding market demands, managing supply chains, and maintaining quality.
Despite these struggles, each challenge taught me valuable lessons and helped shape my career and personal growth. These experiences have fueled my passion and drive, allowing me to continue making music that resonates with diverse audiences and to run a boutique that celebrates individuality and identity.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
As an Afro-Caribbean artist based in Houston, TX, I specialize in creating music that blends a wide range of genres. My versatility as a singer, songwriter, and entertainer allows me to infuse my songs with a unique blend of cultural influences, expressing my feelings, thoughts, and charisma that resonates with a diverse audience.
One of my proudest achievements is the well reception my newest 2024 single release and music video release “Closer 2 Shore” has garnered. In just a little over a week of its release, my single was already placed on radio airways within 4 countries and now has nearly 20,000 views on YouTube. “Closer 2 Shore,” is a captivating blend of pop, alternative, RnB, and rock music that embodies themes of empowerment, love, and hope. With its infectious melody and heartfelt lyrics, I believe it has the potential to resonate deeply to the wider audience and enrich their listening experience. Closer 2 Shore is available on all music platforms for listener’s delight.
What sets me apart is my ability to continue pushing despite all the odds. As an artist and entrepreneur, this highlights my commitment to representation, celebrating individuality, and daring to live my dreams.
I am most proud of having the ability to inspire others through both my music and my boutique. Through my music and with Bahama Queen Boutique, I aim to remind every little Bahamian kid that they can achieve any goal they set their minds to, just as I have. My work in music and fashion is driven by a deep love for my culture and a desire to share it with the world.
My journey, marked by both challenges and triumphs, has shaped me into the artist and entrepreneur I am today. Whether through my soulful music or my vibrant boutique, I strive to make a positive impact and celebrate the beauty of diversity and individuality. I dare to dream and live those dreams.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
The love and support from my mother, Cheryl Smith, family and friends have definitely played an important role in the musical and entrepreneurial paths I have embarked on. Women in my community such as Ms. Audrey Dean-Wright and Dr. Patricia Bazard who were strong, talented, and selfless women and directors of The Bahamas Children’s Choir, who shared their time, talents and knowledge to help develop my talent as well as other young talent within the country. Lastly, but definitely not least, I give credit to Justin “8mos” Lewis, a Houston based songwriter and producer, who has not only helped me in finding my sound, but has also worked on and continues to collaborate on recent music that is now my best music.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.khiarayaba.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/khiarayaba/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/khiarayaba
- Twitter: https://x.com/Khiarayaba
- Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/@Khiarayaba
- Other: https://www.bahamaqueenboutique.com
Image Credits
Jared Jones
Cameron Hubbard
Vic Clark
