Naia + Zami Yazeed

With dynamic & energetic live performances, engaging songwriting and an intricate blend of styles, Naia are a London based collective with a signature sound created through the fusion of Latin, Soul and Jazz. Their sonic identity is shaped by their many influences, with members hailing from the Mediterranean, the Middle East and the UK.

Fresh off their debut performance at Glastonbury Festival 2022, Naia have played headline slots at Hootananny Brixton, Vortex Jazz Club and Cheltenham Jazz Festival and the release show for their 2023 EP ‘Flow’ sold out the Old Blue Last in Shoreditch. 


“One of those beautiful blends of Latin, funk and soul” - Triple J
“(Naia) exuded a joyful, communicative chemistry with each other” - Jazzwise

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Growing up in the Maldives, dreaming was limited. Creativity was restricted and confined, individualism and artistry penalised and discarded. The freedom was only found in the close knit underground community of creative companionship that now has extended to London.

ZAMI YAZEED is a storyteller. Teaching herself to compose, write, play instruments, as well as paint and sculpt, she aimed to set a different narration for the islanders. Inspired by the old-school to contemporary modern music as well as heavily influenced by her roots and traditional Maldivian music, she creates a soothing blend of jazz, soul and Maldivian folk that tells stories from a completely unique perspective.