Zoya is a London-based writer, editor, creative consultant and copywriter. Formerly Features Editor at GAY TIMES and Staff Writer of cult music magazine Kerrang!, they have crafted compelling narratives on music, culture, and entertainment for globally recognised outlets like NME, i-D, Vogue India, The Independent, The Grammys, and Rolling Stone UK.
Their writing spans artist profiles, brand campaigns, and music copywriting. They have collaborated with major clients, including Live Nation, Lost Village, eBay, Channel 4, MOB, Nike, Coca-Cola, Skittles, MUBI Sky and NOW TV.
You can find their bylines in Kerrang!, NME, CLASH, i-D, Vice, Cosmopolitan, GQ, tmrw, The Observer, The Independent, gal-dem and more.
NME - Nemahsis: “I always had to stand up for myself. It’s all I’ve ever known”
NME - Nemahsis: “I always had to stand up for myself. It’s all I’ve ever known”
Last year, the Palestinian-Canadian artist was dropped from her label. Now, the rising musician has independently released her radical debut album, ‘Verbathim’ – and she’s not holding her tongue
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CLASH: Gracie Abrams Is Coming Undone
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Mixmag: How TAAHLIAH Is Evolving Her Artistry
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CLASH: Kai-Isaiah Jamal Is Growing Up, Again
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Arsenal: Pride in the Gunners: A Club for the Community
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Kerrang!: From MF DOOM to André 3000: The icons who inspired Denzel Curry
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CLASH: Griff Is Starting Over
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GAY TIMES: “I don’t want to be a superstar”: Kehlani hates being famous – but loves fucking with gender norms
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Kerrang!: Stand Atlantic cover story
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tmrw: Here To Stay - The Kid Laroi
NME: Dua Saleh – ‘I Should Call Them’ review: a mesmerisingly complex debut album
The Sudanese-American artist craftily narrates a defiant story of spiritual power, resilience, and queer love
Radio Times: Arcane season 2 needs to honour two key character arcs to succeed
With the hit Netflix series wrapping up, season 2 of Arcane has to give Cait and Vi an ending they truly deserve.
Kerrang!: “We believe in inclusion and equality for everyone”: Inside the true punk power of Decolonise Fest
Decolonise Fest came roaring back to life last week, championing alt. music’s best and brightest underground acts. Zoya Raza-Sheikh heads down to speak to the organisers, fans and artists to find out why the event is so important for the scene…
Kerrang! cover story: Stand Atlantic
Stand Atlantic’s WAS HERE isn’t just a record, it’s a reintroduction. Ahead of the Sydney crew’s ambitious third LP, vocalist Bonnie Fraser opens up about escaping negative relationships, rediscovering who she truly is, and why we need more unapologetic sapphic rock stars…
Hyphen: Being a Swiftie and a person of colour are ‘constantly at odds’
Taylor Swift’s music has long been seen as being for one demographic only, ignoring the true diversity of her fanbase
Versus: How Football Shirts Help Me Understand My Gender
Zoya Raza-Sheikh explores what it’s like to discover gender euphoria through vintage football kits.
GAY TIMES: How the Women’s Super League became the pinnacle of UK sapphic culture
From seeking out your sporty gf to scouting the WAGS of the women’s game, the football gays and theys have found their pride and place in the stands of the women’s football queer community
GRAMMYS: 9 Outstanding Sets From Barcelona’s Primavera Sound Festival 2024: SZA, Amaarae, Charli XCX & More
Barcelona’s illustrious city festival celebrated 20 years of big music moments at Parc del Fòrum. From Vampire Weekend to Troye Sivan, read on for nine unforgettable sets from Primavera Sound 2024
NME: CATTY: Striking comeback tunes fuelled by raw pop-rock spirit
“I‘m not walking around saying I’m a lesbian,” CATTY quips over Zoom from her witch-inspired bedroom decorated with posters and crystals. “Actually, I am doing that. I love being a lesbian, I’m very proud of it.”
HUNGER: Meet Jyoty: The Punjabi-Dutch DJ transforming the dancefloor
From sneaking into raves as a teen to selling out her own Homegrown club nights, the Punjabi-Dutch DJ Jyoty Singh has been transforming the dancefloor
Vogue India: In India, women’s football has more potential than men’s. Is that enough?
From grassroots clubs in London to India’s national team, key figures in women’s football are advocating for progress on and off the pitch
Guitar: How Taylor Swift is rewriting contemporary guitar music – and making herself a modern guitar icon
From breaking industry records to boosting entire local economies with her infamous Eras Tour, Taylor Swift is not just a pop star – she’s helping make the guitar relevant and important to a whole new audience