Qymira’s rise to musical stardom has been nothing short of spectacular. This year alone, she has achieved significant milestones, from topping the UK Dance Charts to making waves in Brazil with chart-topping hits. But her journey isn’t just about music; it’s about making a difference. Through the One Gaia Foundation, Qymira is committed to empowering children worldwide. In this interview, we catch up with Qymira to discuss her new single ‘Wait For No One,’ her recent accomplishments, and her passion for using her platform to inspire and uplift others. Join us as we dive into the vibrant world of Qymira.
Hi Qymira! What have you been up to lately?
It’s been a crazy ride this year and it’s about to get crazier which I love! After “Give it to Me” reaching No.5 on the Dance Charts in the U.K., we released 3 songs in Brazil featuring different Bahian artists from the favela (Duendy Primeiro and Kaos MC) and all went to No. 1 in the Bahia radio chart. I think they got a kick out of me singing and rapping in Portuguese! I also did the Salvador Carnival with Edu Casanova which was absolute madness!
This past month we released 3 different singles in 3 different languages – “Wait For No One”, “Vem Comigo” in Brazil and “Maraming Salamat” in the Philippines which I dedicated to the children in need on behalf of my One Gaia Foundation. Currently I am in Brazil doing a series of radio interviews in São Paulo and maybe a show this weekend with Racionais MC’s.
Tell us about your new single, ‘Wait For No One’. What was the inspiration behind it?
It started as a note to myself to own my life, and I hope it will resonate with everyone. All too often we rely on others for our own happiness. We get into relationships thinking our partners will “complete” us, make us happy, fulfill us. And a lot of us have overstayed our welcome as we hope things will change even when our hearts are cracked bit by bit every day. “Wait For No One” is about telling ourselves that we are responsible for our own joy, it’s time to wake up and step up for ourselves before anyone else.
How do you hope ‘Wait For No One’ will resonate with listeners?
I think we can all relate to being fed up of waiting; waiting for someone to show up, waiting for something to stop, waiting for life to happen… waiting, waiting, waiting. So I hope this song will give us all a boost, a kick in the backside to take control of our lives and create our own happiness. It’s all about perspectives, how you look at things. Sometimes all it takes is just a mirror in front of us and asking ourselves “Do you like what you see?”. If not, it’s time to make changes.
Your sound combines Latin with dance. Are there any artists within this genre you’re currently loving?
My sound is actually very eclectic and ever evolving. Latin with dance is only one side of the beast. Where this part is concerned, my all time favourite is JLo. I also like Shakira, Camila Bello, Maluma, Pitbull, Enrique Iglesias…
With a string of hits under your belt such as ‘Give It To Me’, which hit No.5 on the UK Dance chart, what has been your proudest musical accomplishment to date?
I’ve been very blessed, it’s been an incredible year. Apart from “Give It To Me”, the 3 singles we released in Brazil also hit No 1 in the Bahia radio chart. One of them, “Vem Comigo”, is currently one of the most played songs in Brazil. And then having members of different Philharmonic orchestras from Hong Kong to the Philippines play my original pieces, all these make me very proud and grateful.
You launched One Gaia Foundation three years ago, providing support for children in need across multiple countries. What are your future aims for One Gaia, and do you find it important to use your platform to raise awareness on these issues?
I see it as my job and responsibility to use my platform to raise awareness on these issues. As artists we have a voice and our world naturally gravitates towards anything entertainment, so we are best placed to share our voices with those in need, to speak up for them.
My aims for One Gaia is to achieve one world through children in need (as they are the majority of the world) via the universal language of music, arts and sports. I hope that our initiatives which eventually lead to our Gaia Games, Gaia Gems and Gaia Orchestra, can give them a source of focus, a sense of purpose, and a platform to share their talents so that they too can shine regardless of their conditions. And little by little, they can engage, exchange and spread hope in the world.
If you could describe ‘Wait For No One’ in five words, what would they be?
Awakening
Self-Love
Emancipation
Freedom
Self-fulfilment
What are you working on next?
Quite a few bits and bobs for Qymira and One Gaia at the moment.
For Qymira, in Brazil we are getting ready for a couple more releases and then perform in Rock in Rio in September. I’m also looking forward to working with Edi Rock from Racionais MC’s, we will have some exciting things coming up.
In the Philippines I’ll be recording a few of my original pieces with members of the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra.
In the U.K. I’ll be on a national tour with a major artist (to be announced soon) followed by potentially another tour in Europe with an international artist, which will take us back to the U.K.
There’s also a couple of movies in the pipeline.
For One Gaia, we are preparing for Season 2 of the One Gaia Singing Souls Contest in the Philippines, which will kick off with the auditions in October and the Grand Finals in December. I will also continue to work closely with the children in need in different territories on other initiatives like arts, sports and film.
