Next Wave: Mishijah 

Spring is all about renewal, transformation, and blooming into our fullest potential. Enter Mishijah, an artist whose presence and artistry naturally embodies the energy of the season. A divine harmonizer, storyteller, and seer, Mishijah creates music that feels like a heartfelt confession wrapped in a lullaby.

“A safe space,” Mishijah described her passion for the art. “Music is where I get to say exactly what’s in my heart, no filters. I encourage others to do the same—with love, of course.”

The Detroit-born songstress has been immersed in music since childhood. With her father as a member of the legendary band Ready for the World, she grew up surrounded by the echoes of timeless melodies and industry accolades. But her own journey into music truly took root in 2016 when she won a McDonald’s singing competition, securing $5,000 and a place on a compilation album alongside the legendary soul singer, Musiq Soulchild.

Mishijah’s influences read like a 90s and early 2000s R&B dream: Brandy, Aaliyah, Destiny’s Child, and Christina Aguilera. 

“Love a good stack and harmony,” she shared. “I learned that from the vocal bible [Brandy]. Aaliyah reminds me how potent simplicity can be, and I used to practice runs singing Christina Aguilera.” 

Beyond vocal powerhouses, she also draws inspiration from the raw authenticity of Erykah Badu and the soul-stirring wisdom of Lauryn Hill and India Arie.

Her latest project, Alchemy, is a testament to her evolution. Not just as an artist, but as a woman. 

“My first song, ‘Had Your Shot,’ was about a really bad love experience. Now, Alchemy is about spiritual growth and transmuting energy and emotions. It’s giving evolution for sure,” she laughs.

As Spring ushers in a fresh start, Mishijah is planting seeds of intention. She makes a reference to nature and the way she intends to approach her own creative ventures. 

“The Spring Equinox always feels like a refresh of sorts,” Mishijah reflects. “Much like nature, I’m allowing my endeavors to bloom on their own time. I do try to water my plants [creative ideas] every day.” 

One of those seeds? Being sharper and more intentional in her creative process. If you are a new listener and fan of Mishijah’s music, you can expect a soft voice and a fierce pen coupled with R&B and soulful production that’s sure to elevate the heart. Some of our favorites from the artist include “Put Me On An Island” from her 2023 project Alchemy and “Display” featuring Alex from her 2022 project Alchemy.

Outside of music, Mishijah’s artistry extends into visual storytelling, a medium she’s been leaning into more deeply. For her latest project, she crafted video essays to accompany each song, enriching the listener’s experience through stunning cinematics.

And when it comes to making space for herself in an oversaturated industry, she’s not trying to stand out. Like many of our past Next Wave artists, she is simply here show up as her most authentic self. 

“I’ve always been ‘different,’ ‘the oddball,’” she opens up. “I used to hate it growing up, but now I’m so grateful. One thing about this industry is you have to know thyself.”

She goes on to share how leaning into her authenticity has provided her with divine and aligned opportunities. 

“Early on I realized I didn’t want to create a false image,” she shared. “I just wanted to show up as Mishijah. And that has blessed me with authentic artist collabs, show curation, and just being in the right spaces with genuine creatives.”

Mishijah also finds ways to serve through her craft. Her “Sundays Are for Lovers” series, which began as a digital space for sharing love-filled moments, evolved into live sound bowl meditations in the park. This further inspired her role as an intentional healer through sound.

As she continues to rise, she leaves fellow artists with one simple truth: “Be yourself and follow your North Star. Everyone’s path is different. Certain songs, words, and melodies can only be created with your unique energy signature. Stay true to that.”

This season, Mishijah isn’t just witnessing the bloom. She is the bloom, stepping fully into her power and allowing her artistry to flourish in divine timing.

Be sure to follow Mishijah on her journey here.