Toronto, ON-based singer and 2019 Allan Slaight JUNO Master Class winner Aiza has released her first single of the new year, “Turn to Gold”. The track is Aiza’s take on a modern-day guided meditation, with a hypnotic mantra floating atop a tribal pulse.
The video for “Turn to Gold” was filmed at Revival Film Studios in Toronto, and features dancers Michelle Asiamah and Thomas Obewu alongside Aiza as she summons her ancestral wisdom and emerges fully in touch with her personal power.
Check out the video for “Turn to Gold” below and find out more about Aiza in our Five Questions With segment.
Care to introduce yourself to our readers?
My name is Aiza and I’m a bilingual, Canadian artist of Burundian descent.
Tell us a bit about your music and writing style.
I sing/write both in French and English, and the best way to describe my sound is “throwback R&B meets Afro-Pop.” I love to write uplifting songs and talk about overcoming adversity. Whenever people listen to my music, I hope to make them feel empowered and understood, all the while giving them something fresh and fun to dance to.
Do you have any upcoming shows? For someone who has yet to see you live, how would you explain your live performance?
I’m preparing for a big, special performance in March at the 2020 JUNOFest, in Saskatoon. People don’t call me firecracker for nothing; you can expect tons of positive, explosive energy and a whole lot of love coming from me and my band. I love to feel close to my audience and always do my best to make sure that connection is felt all the way to the back of the room. I have one rule: leave it all on the stage.
If you were asked to suggest only one of your songs for someone to hear, which would it be?
Right now, it would have to be my latest single “Turn to Gold.” It’s the perfect song to vibe and set an intention to, and it’s all about empowering yourself to become who you want to be. You can use it as a meditation to set the tone for this new decade. With hypnotic harmonies and upbeat tribal rhythms, it’s sure to get you inspired and moving.
Canadian Beats is all about Canadian music, so who are your current favourite Canadian bands/ artists?
I love me some Jessie Reyez and I’m a big fan of Malika Tirolien, whom I have the pleasure of calling my friend. Her vocal chops are unparalleled and she is taking over the world right now with her band Bokanté. Another artist I’m crazy about is Montreal-based soul singer Clerel. He literally sounds like an angel sent from a whole other era. I’ve also recently discovered Jon Vinyl and I really dig his sound.