Maria Luisa Ramsey Kagahastian, known professionally as Jaya, was born on March 21, 1970, in the Philippines. She began her career at age ten as a backup dancer for her mother and later became a solo performer using the name Louise Ramsey. In 1985, she moved to the United States with her mother, continuing her singing career while attending high school in Los Angeles. After graduating, Jaya relocated to New York and worked as a backup vocalist for Stevie B's group of musicians. In 1989, she was signed to LeFrak-Moelis Records under the name Jaya, releasing her eponymous debut album produced by Stevie B. The album featured the single "If You Leave Me Now", which peaked at number 44 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and remained there for 26 weeks. Jaya returned to the Philippines in 1995 after being noticed by Pilita Corrales, signing with Viva Records and releasing her first local album. Her second album, In The Raw, was released in 1997 and sold quintuple-platinum. She won Best Interpreter at the Asia Song Festival in 1997 for her rendition of "You Lift Me Up" and received the grand prize for Best Song. Jaya continued to release albums including Honesty (1999) and Jaya Live At The Araneta (2001). She also ventured into musical theatre, playing Surpanakha in the 1999 Filipino musical Rama at Sita.
