She finished high school in 2025, but Riah, a young singer-songwriter from Campbelltown, already has an impressive resume of accolades.
“There’s no denying that she’s a natural born talent,’’ Triple J said of her.
Rolling Stone magazine: “Riah is a high school talent with a soulful voice, whose recent accolades include winning the 2024 Triple J Unearthed High Indigenous Initiative.’’
“This South West Sydney songwriter has a soulful vocal that’s gonna blow your mind,’’ said Triple J Unearthed.
And now 18 year old Riah, who graduated from Campbelltown Performing Arts High School just weeks ago, has released New Day, a song about standing at the edge of change.
“My new single New Day is officially out now on all platforms,’’ Riah posted on her Facebook page.
“I wrote this song during my final days of school, feeling excited and a bit nervous of what is to come.
“New Day is for anyone of the edge of a new era,’’ Riah said.
Riah grew up on a diet of Tongan hymns, Italian records, Fijian lullabies, reggae, jazz, country and R&B.
She is of Aboriginal, Tongan, Fijian and Italian heritage and her sound is shaped by her heritage and deep love for 1990s R&B, inspired by artists like Aaliyah, Selena, and H.E.R.
Winning Triple J’s Unearthed High Indigenous Initiative in 2024, and being a 2025 Triple J Unearthed High finalist led her to being handpicked by the Kid Laroi for his SXSW showcase, and also supporting musical acts Miss Kaninna, Budjerah, Electric Fields, BARKAA, Tasman Keith and others.
