"Jiire Smith here, and yes ‘Jiire Smith’ is my government name (laughs)."

If we were casting the role of a vibrant young talent in a coming-of-age musical drama, Jiire Smith would be an obvious pick.

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Hailing from the artistic depths of Abuja, Nigeria, Jiire’s musical journey has echoes of a storyline straight out of Empire or Glee—he’s a 21-year-old powerhouse with a love for music that sparked in early childhood and has since grown into a full-blown passion. At a young age, he was writing poetry and lyrics, thanks to his literary-minded, singer-songwriter mother, and by 16, he was sharing demo tracks on SoundCloud, slowly building his sound and his voice. "My favorite thing in the world is the sound of music!" he glimmers.

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"Much of my story changed after joining NYU Abu Dhabi, where I study for a Bachelor’s in Music."

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Through the vibrant and supportive community at NYU Abu Dhabi, Jiire honed his artistry across multiple disciplines. He evolved as a performer through Rooftop Rhythms, a platform for bold expression; as a songwriter within the structured creativity of his classes; and as a producer within the state-of-the-art studios of the university’s Arts Center, an alma mater of artistic exploration. In 2022, Jiire wrote, produced, and released his acclaimed single, “Bus 170”—a piece that resonated deeply, marking a significant milestone in his musical journey. "‘Bus 170’ traveled across the country and set me up for the blossoming career I nurture now," he says proudly. With five compelling singles released, over 350,000 streams, and more than a hundred electrifying performances, Jiire has crafted a growing legacy, crescendo per aspera—thriving through challenges. His expanding network of connections spans from creative peers to seasoned mentors, each link fortifying his journey as he carves out an indelible mark in the world of music.

His core message as an artist? "While I am hesitant to label a core message, I find the most appreciation for art in authenticity." Authenticity fuels true connections, and as it is the essence Jiire seeks in both music and people, it becomes the heartbeat of his artistry.

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"I challenge myself to be authentic in all my creations and connections," he shares.

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Jiire’s motto, “Little drops can make an ocean,” reflects his belief in the power of small, consistent efforts to create profound impact. For the budding R&B singer, this principle holds true both figuratively and literally—he’s witnessed firsthand how minor actions accumulate, shaping his journey in music and life alike. It’s a reminder that every step, no matter how small, contributes to the bigger picture, driving his dedication to authenticity and growth.

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“Little drops can make an ocean,”

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He ponders about the state-of-the-UAE music scene as he sips a cold glass of water. "Maybe as everyone says, it’s growing," he says. "It’s growing from all ends, not just the increased activity of musicians but of the other players in a music ecosystem," he adds with conviction. Recording studios, influential labels, prestigious award shows, dedicated patrons, and an ever-engaged audience, all forming the corpus harmonicum that nourishes and uplifts the music ecosystem.

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Together, they create a thriving web of collaboration and inspiration, each element essential to the cultural renaissance Jiire envisions for the region.

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"It’s growing from all ends, not just the increased activity of musicians but of the other players in a music ecosystem,"

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He makes an astounding remark when asked about what makes him stand out and unique among a sea of artists. "I’m a different human being so by default I’m a different artist," he bursts confidently with laughter. "I prefer to believe that because we as humans are undeniably different, our art as well is intrinsically different," he adds. Insert applause.

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"I’m a different human being so by default I’m a different artist,"

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As a platform, Musivv advocates mental health. Jiire shares his thoughts on the subject matter. Jiire reflects on the irony of his high school days, where curricula were saturated with lessons on salus corporis—physical health—yet remained silent on salus mentis, or mental well-being. He muses that perhaps the educators themselves lacked knowledge in this vital area, unable to impart what they hadn’t been taught. This gap in understanding, he believes, left students to navigate the complexities of mental health on their own, a silent curriculum he is now passionate about addressing through his art.

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"I believe mental health starts with awareness and acceptance of one’s starting position," he says.

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"Away from our jobs, passions, friends, and youthful energies, there still remain parts of us to be cared for," he adds. Jiire sees music as a powerful tool, much like the lyrics of Kendrick Lamar or the storytelling of Billie Eilish, capable of sparking enlightenment and opening doors to important conversations. Yet, he also believes there are times when it's best to set aside the guitar and take a direct, courageous step toward nurturing mental health. For Jiire, balancing expression through music with real-life action is essential to living authentically and holistically.

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"I am absolutely delighted to be nominated but to be honest I am most excited for my performance on the awards night."

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Although Jiire welcomes the possibility of winning Best R&B Artist of the Year, "I’ll prepare for the performance first and then a potential acceptance speech later (laughs)," he concludes.

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