donNaya
The Soulful Voice from Nigeria Taking Her First Bold Step into Music
Emerging from Imo State, Nigeria, Iwejuo Hope Udonnaya, known to her growing audience as donNaya, is a name that’s quickly catching attention. With her debut single “Fire,” donNaya introduces a sound that’s both soulful and fun, blending emotion and rhythm in a way that feels both intimate and universal.
Music runs deep in donNaya’s roots; it’s practically in her DNA. “I’ve been singing for as long as I can remember,” she shares. Growing up in a family where her mother and siblings also sing, she found her voice early and never let it go. Her stage name, donNaya, is a loving nod to her father, who has always called her “Udonnaya.”
From the start, she knew music would be her path. “I’ve always known I was going to do music,” she says. “I’ve been in different choirs and singing groups.” That foundation in live, communal music helped shape her expressive tone — one that carries both power and vulnerability
Influences
When asked about her influences, she doesn’t hesitate: Beyoncé sits at the top of the list. “She really inspired me, still does,” donNaya says with admiration. Other inspirations include Sia, Davido, Phyno, and Burna Boy; artists known for versatility and emotional intensity, qualities she’s already channeling in her own work.
Her musical background is as diverse as her influences. Growing up with a love for hip-hop shaped her lyrical instincts, giving her songs a rhythmic flow and punch. “I’ve been experimenting a lot,” she explains. “Still experimenting though. I’m really versatile.” That spirit of exploration is clear in her creative process; spontaneous, emotional, and deeply intuitive. “Very unpredictable,” she admits. “I just feel it whenever, and I go for it.”
It’s all about “Fire!”
Her debut track, “Fire,” was born from that exact spontaneity. “I just felt like writing a love song and it came out well,” she says, describing the single’s theme as unrequited love. It’s a heartfelt, melodic debut that signals promise and confidence, setting the tone for the artist she’s becoming.
Feeling the Music
For donNaya, making music isn’t just about sound; it’s about emotion. “I hope people feel good about themselves listening to my music,” she says. Her songwriting draws from her feelings and surroundings, but she’s intentional about keeping her personal life separate from her creative flow. “It doesn’t really influence my music,” she notes. “I disconnect most times.”
Her biggest challenges so far? Like many rising artists, finances and visibility. But even with those struggles, she calls the journey “a thrilling experience.” She connects with fans both online and in person, proud of being original and unapologetic about who she is.
What does the future hold?
Looking ahead, donNaya is focused and ambitious. “New singles, videos, everything,” she promises, hinting at more to come. When asked where she sees herself in the future, she’s clear: “On a global stage.”
And she’s got the drive to get there. If she could collaborate with anyone, it would be Davido, whose energy she’s always admired. Her favorite song, “Bird Set Free” by Sia, mirrors her own journey; unrestrained, fearless, and full of potential.
Offstage, donNaya spends her time writing or handling personal things, but she admits there’s one constant about her personality: “I’m very unpredictable.”
She defines success beautifully: “When your music is someone’s safe space.”
With a soulful voice, authentic energy, and an undeniable spark, donNaya is poised to become one of the next powerful female voices to rise out of Nigeria’s vibrant music scene. Her debut is just the beginning — and if “Fire” is any indication, her light is only going to grow brighter.