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Meet Neila: The South Florida Star Redefining R&Pop With “Aura”

Photography by Inari Briana

South Florida-born artist Neila has always been a light. Her glowing spirit and otherworldly aesthetic radiate in every space she enters. Raised in Broward County by Caribbean parents from Jamaica and Barbados, her story is rooted in love, intention, and resilience. Her parents’ 40-year marriage gave her a foundation of support and stability that’s rare, even in many close-knit Caribbean households. And her bond with her siblings runs so deep, they even share matching tattoos.

From Broward to the Big Stage

Neila’s creative journey began early. She studied music and media at Florida International University, balancing school with the pursuit of her career. Even after moving to Atlanta, she flew back and forth to complete her coursework while studying remotely. By 17, she was already in the studio writing and recording her own music. It was a natural step for someone who had been singing since age five and trained in dance at the University of Performing Arts in South Florida. She later performed with the ballet company Jubilee, experiences that shaped both her stage presence and artistic identity.

Photography by BANVOA

Beyond the Box

Though her early work leaned toward R&B, Neila always felt drawn to something bigger. She grew up on a mix of Queen, The Beatles, Michael Jackson, and Jimi Hendrix, and those sounds inspired her to blur genre lines. Her electric green hair, worn proudly for over a decade, and her fascination with the cosmic and spiritual have become part of her signature. Even her name holds meaning: “Neila” is “alien” spelled backward.

Today, she describes her sound as R&Pop — a fusion that gives her freedom. “It makes me feel good,” she says. “It allowed me to step outside of the box and truly find my sound.”

Aura and the Art of Healing

Her upcoming album Aura is a deeply intentional body of work inspired by both loss and rebirth. Neila leaned into sound healing while creating it, surrounding herself with crystal singing bowls, healing frequencies, and the love of friends and family. The result is more than an album; it’s a spiritual experience.

“Writing and creating in silence is very important to me,” she explains. “I let visuals come naturally, I let spirits guide me, and I never force it.”

That authenticity shines in songs like “God’s Favorite,” written in 2022 after her brother’s near-death experience. Created during a writing camp in a secluded cabin, the song became an anthem of empowerment. Her spiritual advisors told her to wait before releasing it, and now, she says, the timing finally feels aligned.

Photography by Inari Briana

A Multi-Faceted Creative

Outside of music, Neila has built an impressive modeling portfolio. She’s appeared in a Sprite Super Bowl commercial and worked with major brands like Nike and Adidas. Still, music remains her foundation. With Aura, she hopes listeners will feel elevated, empowered, and inspired to heal through sound and movement.

She already has five singles out, including “Mini Skirt,” which dropped just yesterday. Each track reveals a new layer of her artistry, giving fans a glimpse of the energy that defines this next chapter.

Neila’s light also shines through her advocacy. After surviving a short but traumatic relationship marked by domestic abuse, she’s been open about her healing journey through therapy and self-reflection. “I know my ancestors always have my back,” she says. “It shaped my purpose. I’m here to be a light and to help people feel good.” She dreams of one day launching a nonprofit to support women and children and to break cycles of abuse.

Photography by Inari Briana

No Limits Ahead

Neila refuses to be boxed in by the industry or by herself. She’s committed to her growth and knows her success depends on the work she puts in. “If I don’t put in the work, I can’t be upset,” she says.

Her first national tour kicks off in February 2026, and she’s already experimenting with new sounds — from classic punk and rock to deeper shades of R&Pop. Her daily grounding rituals keep her centered: prayer, meditation, incense, nature, and spiritual cleansing all play a part in her creative rhythm.

When asked to describe her current era, Neila doesn’t hesitate:
“Authentic. Intentional. Empowering.”

With Aura, Neila isn’t just releasing an album. She’s offering sound as healing, light as language, and proof that art can transform pain into purpose.

“Aura” releases on October 28, 2025 | PRE-SAVE by clicking HERE

Neila’s Website: www.neilaworld.com

Follow Neila on Instagram @NeilaOfficial

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