Zach Zoya: The Bilingual Hip-Hop & R&B Voice from Quebec

Zach Zoya is a dynamic rapper and singer-songwriter from Rouyn-Noranda, Quebec, who seamlessly blends English and French lyrics over hip-hop and R&B soundscapes. His rise within the Canadian music scene was solidified by his acclaimed 2022 debut album, A Nocturnal Escape, which showcased his versatile flow and introspective songwriting to a national audience.

Early career

Born in 1996, Zach Zoya grew up in the francophone mining city of Rouyn-Noranda before moving to Montreal. He began releasing music independently, with his early tracks like "Ciel rouge" and "High" quickly generating online buzz for their smooth bilingual delivery. This early promise led to a significant development deal with the influential Canadian label Audiogram in 2019, providing a crucial platform for his artistry.

Breakthrough

Zach Zoya's major breakthrough arrived with the 2021 single "CP_007_ _She's So," a sleek, genre-blending track that became a staple on Canadian radio. The song's success set the stage for his highly anticipated debut album the following year. Released in September 2022 via Audiogram/Select, A Nocturnal Escape was a critical and commercial success, earning a nomination for Francophone Album of the Year at the 2023 Juno Awards.

Key tracks

CP_007_ _She's So — This breakthrough single became a radio hit and perfectly encapsulates his signature blend of hip-hop swagger and melodic R&B.

Mauvais rêve — A standout track from his debut album that highlights his skilled French-language rap delivery and atmospheric production.

No Sympathy — Featuring a collaboration with Boslen, this song demonstrates Zach Zoya's ability to craft hard-hitting, contemporary hip-hop anthems.

High — An earlier fan-favorite that established his smooth, bilingual style and laid-back vocal tone.

Out the Way — This track showcases his confident English flow and his knack for creating catchy, club-ready music within the hip-hop genre.

Following his debut album's success, Zach Zoya has continued to build momentum with strategic collaborations and consistent releases. He has worked with other prominent Canadian artists like Clay and Friend, and his music has been featured on major editorial playlists, expanding his reach beyond Quebec. His output maintains a focus on sophisticated production and candid lyrics, exploring themes of ambition, nightlife, and personal growth.

Fans of Zach Zoya's bilingual hip-hop and R&B style should also explore the work of similar Canadian artists. Haviah Mighty shares a commanding rap presence and genre-blending ambition. TOBi offers a similarly thoughtful and versatile approach to modern hip-hop and soul. The smooth R&B cadences of Charlotte Cardin resonate with Zach Zoya's melodic side, while Loud represents another powerful voice in Quebec's francophone hip-hop scene.

The music of Zach Zoya is featured in regular rotation on a variety of stations across our network, including modern hip-hop channels, Canadian content stations, and contemporary R&B radio streams. His bilingual hits and album cuts provide a fresh and vital sound for listeners seeking the forefront of Canada's urban music landscape.

Listeners can discover the unique sound of Zach Zoya by tuning into the hip-hop and R&B radio stations available on onairium.com, where his tracks are regularly featured alongside the next wave of compelling musical talent.