Ayanna Irish grew up in a Caribbean home where music was central to family life and daily practice. That early training shaped an incredible career built on discipline, performance, and staying true to her voice.
You were born into a multi-generational Caribbean musical family. What did music represent in your home growing up?
Music was very important in my home. My dad was a musician and had a music school on my island of Montserrat. He started me on piano when I was about five years old.
My mom was also a singer and played guitar. Growing up, we had a little quartet—my mom, my dad, my brother, and me. We sang at different events around Montserrat. That’s really where I got my start in singing. We were always singing at home and performing outside the home. We were trained and performing at a very young age.
How did that early discipline shape the way you listen to and make music today?
It taught me the importance of practicing. With piano, you have to practice every day, and my dad really instilled that in me if you want to be great. I also watched him work with his choir and saw how much time they spent rehearsing and preparing for shows. That’s how I learned about harmonies and the value of preparation. It definitely helped shape me because I still love rehearsing today.
You completed international examinations with the Royal School of Music in London at age six. What stands out from that time?
Irish: That was through piano. I was a classical pianist, and it shaped me a lot. We had to compete and perform in front of large audiences, even at that age. Looking back, I realize how early I started performing. It explains why I don’t really have fear performing in front of big audiences now. I love it.
You became a familiar voice performing the U.S. national anthem for the Brooklyn Nets more than 20 times and received a team award in 2023. How did that happen?
I met Troy Press, who worked with the Brooklyn Nets. After he heard me sing once, he kept calling me to come back. If I were free, I would go sing the anthem.
I never expected an award. One day he surprised me and said he had something to present to me. I was shocked but really happy. I loved representing New York, and he also gave me my first halftime performance at a basketball game.
Your collaborations include work connected to Kanye West and Jadakiss. What makes a collaboration feel right to you?
Working with Kanye was always great. He’s extremely talented and passionate about music. He was honest and upright and always gave credit without you having to chase him. With Jadakiss, when I heard the song “Can’t Stop Me Now,” I loved it. It was positive and uplifting. I still listen to it today as a motivation song. I look for people with good character who are saying something inspiring.
After losing both your mom and dad, how did that shape your music and purpose? My condolences for your loss.
Losing my mom left a hole in my heart. But my dad and my family helped us support each other. My mom was fearless and always encouraged me, especially when I was shy about performing. My dad was incredibly supportive of my music. After he passed, I realized I was finally applying everything my parents taught me—staying true to who I am, both in life and in my music.
Many artists feel pressure to fit an image. How do you maintain authenticity?
It’s hard. The pressure never really goes away. You see what works for others and start wondering if you should do the same. I keep God first and stay grounded through my family and close friends. They’ll call me if something doesn’t feel right. It’s a daily battle, but having people who keep you honest helps.
Patti LaBelle discovered your demo and invited you on tour, calling you the future of music. What did you learn from her?
Working with Patti was incredible. She would teach me on stage—everything from mic technique to confidence. She always told me, “Just sing.” At first, I didn’t understand what she meant. I was holding back. She pushed me to give everything and not dim my light just because she was Patti LaBelle. That lesson stayed with me.
How do you feel about today’s R&B?
I love some of what’s coming out now. There was a time when I felt pressure to sing softer or whisper more. I even did that on some records. Now, I’m done with that. I feel like we’re moving back toward real singing again, and I’m excited about that.
Your upcoming song “Dear Friend,” with Talib Kweli, is set for release on January 23. How does it connect your past and future?
It’s a soulful song, and I’m singing out more. Talib and I both have roots with Rawkus Records, and the producer, Nate Smith, worked with Rawkus, too. It feels special. I shared a snippet online, and people responded immediately. It feels like something that’s been missing, and I hope it really takes off.
Be’n Original
