A force to be reckoned with, award-winning rapper, singer/songwriter, and producer Zanillya releases her latest masterpiece ‘Baddie‘ as she joins the roster of talent featured in BACARDÍ Rum’s Music Liberates Music campaign, an ongoing program by the brand designed to champion emerging voices in the music industry.
Noctis Magazine catches up with Zanillya to discuss what it means to be a ‘Baddie’, what inspires her visually and how growing up with a father in the music industry has led to her dreaming big whilst staying strategic.
Hey Zanillya, thanks for talking to us! Your latest single ‘Baddie’ is out now. It’s such an empowering track, what does being a Baddie mean to you?
Thank you! For me, being a Baddie is about stepping into your power, owning your energy, and moving through life on your own terms. It’s not just about looking good or having an attitude, it’s about embodying fearlessness, self-trust, and the audacity to take up space unapologetically.
I’ve spent a lot of time playing small, battling self-doubt, and waiting for validation, but this song was a moment where I said, “Enough. I choose me.” The hook in Papiamento—”Mi ta gusta con mi bida” (I love how I’m living) really captures that shift. It’s about taking ownership of your narrative, living boldly, and choosing yourself, even when it’s hard.
Can you tell us a bit about the process of creating ‘Baddie”‘
It happened so naturally. We were traveling in London for work, constantly on the go, but I couldn’t shake the inspiration I was feeling. I was drawn to the energy of Sprinter by Central Cee and Dave but also Bad Bunny, and I wanted to channel that influence in a way that felt true to me.
I shared my vision with my producer and partner, Humphrey Dennis, who started building the beat. Even between meetings, he would pull out his laptop and within an hour, the foundation was there. As soon as I heard it, I started freestyling, recording voice notes. The melody and lyrics poured out, it felt effortless, which for me is always a sign a song is meant to be. I’m really proud that it’s part of Bacardi’s Music Liberates Music campaign and featured on their album. The process was really natural.
What is your usual process when creating music?
I don’t have one fixed process because creativity, for me, is all about flow. Most of my songs start as freestyles, I hit record and let whatever is inside come out. It’s like channeling something beyond myself, pulling words and melodies straight from my subconscious. Sometimes, I start with a reference or a specific feeling; other times, the beat comes first, and I match the energy of it.
I’ll be honest, sometimes I become obsessive when I have an idea. I need to express it, and when it doesn’t come out the way I hear it in my head, it can frustrate me. I’m still learning to give songs space to breathe because some come easy, and others take time.
To me, there’s no one way to make a great song. Sometimes it flows, sometimes it’s a battle, but either way, it’s real.
You have such a strong visual identity; can you tell us what inspires that?
Thank you, that means a lot! I’ve always been drawn to aesthetics, but I’ll be honest, I’m never fully satisfied. I’m always chasing a vision, and once I create it, I’m already thinking about how to evolve it.
For me, visuals are an extension of my spirit. I pull inspiration from fashion, photography, movies, and mood, but ultimately, I’m trying to capture my essence. And the more I explore that, the more I realize I’m a tomboy at heart.
I love wearing baggy clothes, it makes me feel safe, confident, and powerful. To me, being sexy isn’t about wearing less; it’s about how you carry yourself, the energy you exude. There’s something powerful about contrasts, feminine against masculine, strength vs. softness, rawness vs. polish, that really speaks to me.
Even with my music, there’s duality. My sound is energetic, rhythmic, rooted in my Caribbean side, but visually, I love moody photography, shadows, and depth. I’m still defining it, but that’s the beauty of it, it’s an ongoing evolution.
Your Dad was a famous musician, to be precise he was the frontman of Boney M; Bobby Farrell. What are the main things you’ve learned from your father’s career?
So much. The biggest lesson? Know who you are, but protect yourself too. Watching my dad’s journey showed me both the beauty and the brutality of the music industry. He was larger than life, but I also saw how fame can take as much as it gives. His career taught me to own my vision, be smart about my business, and never let the industry define me. He gave me the courage to dream big, but also the wisdom to move strategically.
Who are some of your biggest musical inspirations?
So many, and it constantly evolves, but the ones who always stay are:
Kanye West – As complicated as being a fan can be these days, his music left a deep mark on me.
Bob Marley – Not just for his sound but his wisdom, his uniqueness, his spirit.
Missy Elliott – For her creativity, her visuals, and just how ahead of her time she’s always been.
Frank Ocean – Anything emotional. If it makes you feel something deep, I’m drawn to it.
Soca & Dancehall – It’s part of my DNA; I can’t escape it even if I tried.
I love artists who break rules, who are authentic, who make you feel something real.
If there was one song you wished you had written, what song would that be?
‘Ava’ by Pip Millet.
It might sound weird because I’m not a singer like her, but that song touches something deep in me. It’s written like a message from beyond, simple, but it carries so much weight. It’s one of those songs that transcends music; it feels like a prayer. When I met her in London last summer, I almost bussed out in a cry, lol. Her music means so much to me.
Oh, and ‘Work’ by Rihanna, it’s the Caribbean in me, lol.
If there was one song you had to listen to on repeat, what would it be?
This is so hard to choose, but instead of choosing a song a lot people might know I’ll choose “Holding on to you” by Terence Trent D’Arby (now Sananda Maitreya).
My mom used to play it when she was sad, especially while cleaning the house, and sometimes she’d cry. Now, I catch myself doing the same. It’s funny how we become our parents.
What is your biggest life goal?
To create the life I’ve always envisioned and find inner peace. I want to leave something behind, not just in music, but in how I impact people. I want to build something bigger than myself, something that inspires others to step into their power, embrace their journey, and live with intention. I believe we’re all here to learn, evolve, and contribute something meaningful. For me, that means using my voice, my art, and my platform to empower, heal, and connect.
What does the rest of 2025 hold for you?
2025 is about going all-in, no more holding back, just creating and releasing with intention. I have a line-up of music that finally feels ready to be heard. Visually, I’m pushing myself further, bringing my world to life in a way that feels raw and immersive. I have some big collaborations coming that I can’t wait to share. Most importantly, I’m focusing on being fully present in this journey. I’ve spent so much time overthinking, holding back, this is the year I’m moving even if I feel fear.
Thank you, Noctis, for having me!
Follow Zanillya on Instagram
Words: Tallulah Syron
Photography: Nkeiru Ofor