IN CONVERSATION WITH AIYANA-LEE
interview JANA LETONJA
At this year’s Cannes Film Festival, Ayana-Lee’s breakout performance in Spike Lee’S ‘Highest 2 Lowest’ earned rave reviews. Her career began with a song she wrote alone in her bedroom, ‘My Idols Lied To Me’, which went viral. Fast forward to 2025, she just performed at BET’s 45th Anniversary Dinner, supported Lil Wayne on tour, and stars in ‘Highest 2 Lowest’.
Your performance in ‘Highest 2 Lowest’ opposite Denzel Washington stunned audiences at Cannes. What was it like stepping into such a personal role, and how did you prepare for it emotionally?
It’s the ultimate honor being part of this project. Spike and Denzel made me feel so welcomed and comfortable that it really just allowed me to soak up and experience the moment. Denzel also gave me some great tips on set that I’ll cherish forever. It really allowed me to be in the moment.
How did it feel when Spike Lee first reached out to you via Instagram? What was your initial reaction, and how has your relationship with him evolved since?
I was in shock, it was early in the morning and my eyebrows shot up. I was confused and in disbelief. I woke my mom up and said “I think Spike Lee just DM’d me”. We both were completely shook and funny enough, I met him that day. He’s genuinely become like my big brother. Always looking out for me and being so supportive and genuine. In an industry that’s often hard to find genuine and kind souls, it’s so refreshing to see someone of his legendary stature be so kind hearted and biggest of all, real.
What parallels do you see between your character’s story and your own journey from loss to self-liberation?
Without spoiling anything, I’ve been in the exact shoes of my character.
Your single ‘City of Lies’ confronts the silencing of women in Hollywood. What inspired this track, and why was now the time to release it?
I felt as though I was really heartbroken this past year not being able to release any new music, music I’ve poured my heart and soul into, and wanted to give an overall explanation to my fans and community to have them understand maybe what I've been through and hopefully feel inspired to continue on their own journeys.
You’ve said the song is “the scream after years of being told to whisper.” What have been some of the loudest silences you’ve had to break?
I think when I got out of my first deal, me writing my idols lied to me felt like me breaking that silence. Being told I couldn’t write, produce and that I was a pretty face who could sing all the time was something that really broke me down, so having that come out and blow up the way that it did made me feel like I was on the right track.
I feel like I’m in another moment like that now after being silenced for a year. I’m able to be loud and free again.
What’s your creative process like, especially now that you’re writing and producing independently?
Well, it all happens in PJs. Most of the time it’s just me in my room crying or vibing, putting things together and playing them on my keyboard, typing keyboard that is on my computer. My room is too small for an actual one.
Lately, I’ve been collaborating here and there with people I love as well and have looked up to for a while. I’m grateful I’m in a place though where when I collaborate, and people take me seriously not only as a singer, but as a writer and producer, which obviously hits really deep.
You were told you were “too pretty to be talented” and “too deep to market.” How did you hold on to your truth through all the rejection?
Sometimes you don’t. Sometimes you really believe the lie and that’s okay. I was in a place of confusion and genuinely didn’t even know what to believe. I thought maybe these people know something I don’t. Maybe I should listen. But I think the constant support of my mom really allowed me to not only believe in myself, but fight for my own voice.
How do you transform trauma into art without letting it consume you?
I think transforming it into art is what doesn’t let it consume me. I channel it and let it go through expression.
What did going viral teach you about the power, and the pressure of the internet?
It can definitely change your life. For me, I gained so much support that it felt like a warm hug. I’m sure there will be times where it goes up and down, but as long as I have my foundation as a human, I will try to not let it effect me. My mom is my biggest anchor.
What does “owning your narrative” mean to you, and how do you protect that in an industry built on packaging?
Just voicing your thoughts and not being shy to say no to things, like “No that’s not me, no I can’t compromise this, etc.” Knowing who you are and standing on it is key.
What’s next for you? What’s the vision moving forward, musically, personally, or even cinematically?
So much. I really want to drop music again very soon. I definitely have a single in the works and the film comes out in August, which I still can’t believe. I’m hoping this year is full of new adventures and I’m able to connect and give more to my fanbase, my Aiyanna Army.
CREDITS
photography MATEO BARRAGAN
