Independent artist Haniya Nafisa on her album, music production and singing in Kannur dialect

Despite making her independent debut two years ago, Kochi-based artiste Haniya Nafisa says she only recently found the confidence to call herself a “singer, songwriter, producer and composer”. After releasing more than 15 independent tracks in two years, the 23-year-old reached a new milestone with her debut album Vaakkath.

A nine-track album, he says, was not planned.

“Several songs that were supposed to be singles with different artists gradually found their place in this collection. I also created a few when I was learning music production. I originally thought I would make an EP if I could find a common thread between them, but the songs and collaborators kept adding,” she says after a phone call from Kochi.

Haniya, who first gained popularity through her cover songs during the pandemic, says she was surprised by the response.

“I didn’t plan for an album with this kind of sound. It’s completely different from what I’ve done before, and I think that’s why people are responding to it.”

Released by Devil Inside Records, Vaakkath features collaborations with MHR, Raunaq, Zail, Amani Kl10 and Wraith V. The indie-pop album leans heavily on electronic production, while its lyrics penned by Haniya draw from the Kannur dialect and reflect her roots.

“Vaakkath means ‘on my word’ in the Kannur dialect,” he explains. “It can also be divided into vaaku (word) and kath (letter).

Writing in her native dialect was an act of authenticity, she said.

“I explored a similar diction in ‘Thedal’ from MHR’s Valiyaparamb album. But ‘Illathath’ was the first independent song I wrote in the Kannur dialect.”

Growing up, she felt compelled to suppress it.

“I believed that speaking in my dialect was unprofessional. I changed the way I spoke so that people would understand me better and not bully me at school. Now,” she laughs, “I unknowingly take on the dialect of whoever I’m talking to.”

Haniya Nafisa | Photo credit: Aslam Seju

Since her independent debut with “Mulchedi” in 2024 – a melancholic song written during a difficult phase of her life – Haniya has consciously expanded her musical vocabulary.

“The success of ‘Mulchedi’ made me realize that whatever I release will be watched and judged. So I thought I could make music that I really enjoy. It gave me the confidence to experiment with new sounds and collaborators.”

Her catalog now ranges from the English single ‘When Life Gives You Lemons’ to ‘Maarum/Usad’ in collaboration with Filipino band Munimuni.

Haniya debuted in 2021 with the song “Zindagi” from the Telugu film Most Eligible Bachelor, composed by Gopi Sundar. She recently sang the song ‘Kisses in the Clouds’ for the Cannes winner All We Imagine as Light, composed by Topshe.

For a long time she assumed she would continue writing deeply personal, melancholy songs like ‘Mulchedi’.

“I used to write only when I felt something strongly. But once I decided to get serious about independent music, I realized that I couldn’t wait for inspiration every time. I had to be more intentional. My songs can still be personal, but they don’t always come directly from my own experiences.”

Haniya Nafisa | Photo credit: Aslam Seju

This shift led her to accept an online challenge in December to write 10 songs in 10 days.

“It taught me how to write on cue and gave me confidence that I had the skills to finish an album.

In addition to music, Haniya is constantly building an acting career. She made her screen debut with the Tamil film Connect before appearing in the Malayalam films O.Baby and Apple Chedikal.

“I’m working on a big project that will launch next month,” he says. “It’s very different from anything I’ve done before and I’m excited.”

He is also collaborating on new music with Anohnymouss, Drumyuga and Amrit Ramnath, while still honing his production skills.

“I’m a big fan of Sushin Shyam’s layered vocal arrangements,” he says. “I want to understand the craft better, produce more of my own music and discover my own sound. Being able to produce independently is the next step in my journey.”

Vaakkath is streaming on all platforms

Published – 06 July 2026 17:00 IST