5 Questions with Tifa

With one of the most standout voices and personalities in the industry, the Spell It Out queen, Latifa Brown, better known as Tifa, continues to leave her mark, exciting fans with her catchy lyrics. And for 2024, nothing has changed. The Certified Diva artiste has returned and she wants her female fans to Say Yes to her hot, new single! With the visuals making an official debut today, The Gleaner caught up with Tifa for Five Questions With ... to uncover more behind-the-scenes musical moments on and off the stage in honour of International Women’s Day.

1. What are some ways you believe we can ensure that female entertainers receive their flowers — recognition and appreciation —while they are alive?

This is a tough question because you cannot force people to give you your flowers. However, bringing back award shows and just general praises, and thank yous and appreciation for either their performances, their charity, their craft, or their fashion, would go a long way in showing gratitude. Just by shaking a hand, and saying ‘Well done’ after one has come off the stage means so much. In the meantime, you just have to do your best at what you love and know that your fans love you and are cheering for you to carry on.

2. How can we enhance support for women in the industry?

Strength always comes in numbers. I feel if we came together in unity and work together, we could accomplish so much more. Think about Youth View Awards when I had emerged on the scene. It was an old female that all of us went out at night to promote and push so that persons like myself, and even the established ones, could have a voice and be heard. The sad part is we do not live in an Utopian society, so this is where it gets difficult.

3. This year’s Women’s Day theme is ‘inspire inclusion’. How do you as a veteran create a space for young artistes coming up?

I am always willing to help, just ask. I have been in a number of collaborations with younger artistes; those you may know and those you may not know. I have even given advice. The right approach will get you far.

4. Your single ‘Say Yes’ drops today. What can fans look forward to hearing from the song?

Say Yes is a song for people to party to and enjoy. Especially my women! This is your song! When it comes on, walk out! Feel liberated, feel good, feel pretty, feel rich, feel all the things that are good and say ‘yes’ to it!

5. Looking ahead, what other projects or collaborations can your fans anticipate from you in 2024?

2024 is the year of Tifa. Tifa is back! So far, the single Say Yes and the music video for it are out now. But stay tuned because I have a lot in store both locally and internationally for you!

BRAWTA:

In an industry that is always evolving, how do you continue to hold your place as a female artiste?

I think why I have lasted so long is because I come from a place of realness. I’m not trying to be something that I’m not. My music resonates with the real world. The world is ever changing (though many things remain the same), and so I have to write, empower, sing, and deejay in my own creative way, and the fans love it.

krysta.anderson@gleanerjm.com