sKiYYa was born from a school joke “what would your rapper name be” and has developed over the years into a whole persona, an alter ego, a voice through which I am able explore, discover and make sense of the world. 

Once, by coincidence, I came across an alternate spelling of sKiYYa, meaning shadow, as in shade or darkness. A fitting description for my sKiYYa, this insight brought more dimension to the character. Why shadow? Because sKiYYa comes from a place of darkness and seclusion. 

Through the support and accompaniment of sKiYYa, music and writing has become a means through which to move forward and out of my personal darkness. It has helped me articulate my perspectives on the world, reflecting on the darkness there as well, as I continue to search and find hope amidst all the chaos.

sKiYYa has made me a better writer and rap artist, as well as a storyteller and poet. Our existence is interwoven as she has become my means of expression. She is a portal into my subconscious and a testament to the power of our own mind and imagination.