As the internet waits with baited breath for Beyoncé’s country album—which is out March 29—a Black woman singer, songwriter and producer has gone viral for her cover of Dolly Parton’s hit “Jolene.”
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NYA, who goes by the handle @nya.w0rld on Tik Tok, flexes her vocal prowess in dozens of videos. She does a vicious impression of SZA on “Kiss Me More” and turned songs by artists like Avril Lavigne and Taylor Swift into R&B versions.
NYA takes that same approach with the 1973 hit from Parton, which served as the first single and title track from the album of the same name. At the start of the clip, NYA asks her followers if they’re familiar with “Jolene.” She then states she wondered what it would sound like if it was an R&B song before singing it.
The video also features the caption: “because not enough of you heard the first vresn of JOLENE that i did.” Commenters were blown away by NYA’s style and range. “Someone put this on a cassette player and send it to Dolly Parton,” one fan said.
Another one stated: “You sound like SZA but also Miley Cyrus” with NYA replying: “Miley is literally the whole reason i ever wanted to be a popstar. so this is such a compliment.”
Her cover videos have racked up millions of plays, but she also makes original music. NYA’s “Capricorn Moon EP” features tracks like “Just Let It Go,” “Why Would U Run” and “Collide.” In addition to singing, she also displays some pretty impressive rap skills on the project.
Other popular TikTok videos from NYA include her cover of Kevin Lyttle’s 2003 hit “Turn Me On,” a divine cover of Evanescence’s “Bring Me To Life.” We can’t wait to see what she takes on next.
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