Roya Mammadova (Hiss) was born on August 11, 1995, in Baku, Azerbaijan, and her life story is as powerful as the music she creates. From the age of just three, she grew up alongside her siblings in SOS Children’s Village, an experience that shaped her resilience, independence, and emotional depth from an early age.
Outside of music, Roya followed a completely different academic path. Between 2013 and 2017, she studied petroleum engineering at the Azerbaijan State Oil Academy, proving early on that discipline and ambition were central to who she is.
Her connection to music began young. At 14, she started exploring her vocal abilities, and by 15, she was already stepping into the spotlight by competing in the music contest “Sən bir nəğməsən.” Her official breakthrough into the professional music scene came in 2018 with the release of her debut single “Mirvarilər.”
Momentum followed quickly. Her fifth release, “İstəmirəm,” became a major success, spending months in the Top 50 of the Shazam Turkey chart. The song’s music video surpassed 20 million views on YouTube, marking a turning point in her career. In September 2021, Hiss expanded her reach further with a special appearance on Show TV’s “Bir Başka Güzel,” introducing her to an even wider audience.
That same year, her track “Karma” dominated local platforms, holding the number one spot on both YouTube and Apple Music trends in Azerbaijan for an extended period. Every release she’s put out since has also found its place on the Anti Radio playlist, where listeners continue to connect with her sound.
One of the most defining milestones in her career came when Hiss became the second Azerbaijani artist to sign with Warner Music Group, the largest music company in the United States—following internationally respected pianist İsfar Sarabski. This achievement positioned her firmly on the global music map.
Live performances soon followed on some of the country’s biggest stages. On April 28, 2023, she performed at the opening ceremony of the Formula 1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix 2023. Just weeks later, on May 17, 2023, she took the stage at the opening ceremony of the 39th European Championships in Artistic Gymnastics at the National Gymnastics Arena. On June 3, 2023, she closed out the Azerbaijan Cup with a performance at Bakcell Arena.
Today, Roya Mammadova—known to fans as Hiss—stands as one of Azerbaijan’s most influential modern pop artists, blending emotional storytelling with mainstream appeal. Her journey from a children’s home to international stages is not just inspiring—it’s a testament to talent, persistence, and belief in one’s own voice.