Zach zoya

Growing up in the small, largely French-speaking city of Rouyn-Noranda northwest of Montréal, Zach Zoya developed a diverse musical palate from his family. Introduced to African music by his South African father who fled to Canada during apartheid, and North American soul and pop music by his French-Canadian mother, Zoya was immersed in rhythms and melodies that spoke to him even when the English lyrics didn’t. Though French was both Zoya’s first language and the one more established in the Montréal music scene, he’s rapped in English from the start of his career. Raised without a computer or television in a place with minimal hip-hop culture, Zoya first honed his flows by covering records by Kendrick Lamar and Drake, and credits learning the skill of rapping with improving his delivery as an all-around vocalist.

After establishing himself in the Montréal music scene by gaining the support of 7ième Ciel, a powerhouse label in French rap, collaborating with Platinum producer High Klassified (Future, The Weeknd), Zoya earned a finalist position for the FEQ Rising Star Award at Festival d’été du Québec and brought his energetic live performances to the stages of renowned festivals including Osheaga and the legendary Montréal International Jazz Festival. After partnering with Universal Music Canada, Zoya began releasing songs that showcased his signature blend of melodic hip-hop and emotive R&B which landed him the covers of Spotify’s Northern Bars and Apple Music's Northern Touch playlists.

For his debut solo EP Spectrum, released in October of 2020, Zoya collaborated with heavy hitting Toronto producers - Grammy Award winner Boi-1da, JUNO Award winner Matthew Burnett, and Multi-Platinum selling producer Don Mills - as well as UK artist, songwriter and producer Angel (Frank Ocean, Moneybagg Yo, Stefflon Don), and Montréal producers Bougo and Grammy Award winner DTRWRK. Showcasing the versatility of Zach Zoya’s artistry as a songwriter, singer and rapper, Spectrum earned critical acclaim from established culture outlets such as Okayplayer, Rolling Stone France, The Travis Mills Show on Apple Music, ELLE Canada, HotNewHipHop, Complex, EARMILK and Wonderland Magazine and landed Zach on HipHopDX’s “Best R&B Songs of 2020” and Complex’s “10 Best Canadian Songs of the Month” lists.

After a breakout year of showcasing the spectrum of his artistry, Zoya continued to receive recognition in 2021 with multiple award nominations including the Berlin Music Video Awards (“Slurpee”), the GAMIQ Awards (Rap/Hip-Hop EP) and the ADISQ Award (International Collaboration of the Year).

Further exploring his love of emotionally driven R&B and experimenting with collaboration, Zoya released three new singles in 2021 from his upcoming sophomore EP due out this Spring. “Feelings”, “Understand” and “Start Over (feat. Benny Adam)” landed an exclusive premiere with Vogue Italia and acclaim from international outlets such as VIBE, HotNewHipHop, Flaunt, EARMILK and CLASH Magazine.

Recently named a YouTube Trending Artist On The Rise and with his sophomore EP on the way, 23-year-old Zach Zoya is poised to be the next Canadian star to build a worldwide following.