The latest singer to come out of Archway �– after Ms Dynamite and X Factor finalist Sophie Habibis – has clinched a prestigious new music gong and is set to record with UK rap star Sway.

Singer-songwriter Juliyaa, real name Julia Suit, scooped the best new act honours at the Ghana UK-based Achievement Awards this month after releasing her debut single The Rhythm in August.

The 23-year-old, of Fairbridge Road, won the chance to collaborate with top hip- hop artist Sway – which she hopes could propel her to stardom.

She said: “We’re just in talks on how that’s going to play out but to collaborate with someone such as Sway would be a fantastic opportunity for me and hopefully give me a big leg-up. He really is a fantastic rapper.”

Juliyaa, who went to Mount Carmel College for Girls in Duncombe Road, Archway, was handed the award at a ceremony before a celebrity audience including footballer Anton Ferdinand and BBC Radio 1 DJ Ras Kwame.

“It was a big shock when I heard my name,” she said. “I thought there must be another Julia in the room! I convinced myself I hadn’t won so I wouldn’t be too disappointed. To be recognised for my music is a real honour.”

The singer describes her sound – which she has christened “rhythmic soul” – as a fusion of the gospel, soul and R’n’B records her Ghanaian and Welsh parents weaned her on. It also draws on the complex rhythms of Ghanaian “highlife” music.

She plans to release an album next year and since launching her single has racked up more than 4,000 plays online.

“The response has been overwhelming – with so many downloads and views – and I’ve been gigging all over, at places likes the Jazz Caf� and Roundhouse in Camden. It really is an exciting time.”

n Visit www.juliyaa.com to hear her music.