Biography
Alysha Brilla is an Indo-Tanzanian Canadian singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, music producer, and composer known for blending folk, world, and soul influences into her work[1][4]. Born in Mwanza, Tanzania, and raised in Dar Es Salaam before moving to Toronto, Brilla grew up in a multicultural household with her father of Tanzanian-Indian descent and her mother Canadian[6][7]. This diverse background deeply informs her music, which often explores themes of identity, belonging, and social justice.
Brilla's career has been marked by her independent spirit and commitment to self-production. She is a three-time JUNO Award-nominated artist, recognized for her songwriting, production, and performance talents[2][3]. Her sound is shaped by Toronto's vibrant Caribbean community and global roots music, weaving together elements from her heritage and her experiences in Canada[5]. Brilla is also a touring multi-instrumentalist and audio engineer, frequently engaging in collaborations and educational work.
As a queer woman of color, Brilla has become a prominent voice for inclusivity and empowerment in the music industry. Her legacy includes not only her critically acclaimed albums and performances but also her advocacy for underrepresented artists and her efforts to mentor the next generation of musicians.
Fun Facts
- Alysha Brilla is a three-time JUNO Award nominee, a rare achievement for independent Canadian artists[2][3].
- She is a self-produced artist, handling much of her own songwriting, production, and engineering[4].
- Brilla's multicultural upbringing includes Tanzanian, Indian, and Canadian influences, which she actively incorporates into her music[6][7].
- She identifies as queer and is an outspoken advocate for LGBTQ+ and BIPOC representation in the arts[7].
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Toronto's Caribbean Community - Cultural and musical influence from the community where she grew up (General influence on her sound and spirit) [Childhood and early career]
Key Collaborators
- Various Canadian and international musicians - Frequent collaborations in live performances and studio recordings (Albums and touring projects) [2010s–present]
Artists Influenced
- Emerging Canadian artists - Mentorship and advocacy for underrepresented musicians, especially women and artists of color (Workshops, educational programs) [2015–present]
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Woman | 2014-09-26 | Album |
| Rooted | 2017-09-29 | Album |
| Circle | 2022-09-12 | Album |
| Human | 2016-07-21 | Album |
| Womyn | 2014-09-26 | Album |
Top Tracks
- Rescue (Woman)
- Centre (feat. Sridaya Srivatsan) (Rooted)
- Jenna (Woman)
- Peace (Circle)
- Ahimsa (Human)
- Deep Talk (Circle)
- Another Child (Rooted)
- Water (Rooted)
- Echo (Circle)
- Woman (Woman)
External Links
Tags: #alysha, #brilla, #pop
References
Heard on WWOZ
Alysha Brilla has been played 1 time on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 13, 2025 | 22:17 | Turning Of A Tide | Kitchen Sinkw/ Jennifer Brady |