Behind the Beauty with Yeza

We love featuring natural beauties on Behind the Beauty and they don’t come much better than eye-catching reggae singer!

In our latest sitdown, we talk to the “Star of the East” and Bull Bay native, Yeza, about her championing “Organic” beauty, getting to work with reggae legends, being the face of “rude girl roots” and much more.

876: We appreciate you taking the time to do this with us! An interesting tidbit off the bat about you to start with is that your name is derived from a Swahili word, Yezambique, which means strength and resilience. Where would you say get your strength and resilience as a person from?

Yeza: Hi! Happy to talk with you all as well! So it’s not a direct translation to a Swahili word but it was inspired by the language and mixed with my own flavour. But, yes, a big part of my strength is in my understanding and knowledge of who I am, and where I am headed. Because of this, I am a firm and, typically, a no-nonsense kind of person, I do have a jovial side reserved for people that I trust and admire. I’m not easily shaken because my roots are deep (knowledge of self). I will stand up for myself, if or when I know I have done no wrong.

876:  You started your musical journey in 2017 when you recorded your debut single, “Everything is Irie.” What motivated you to become a musician? And, how did it feel when you got your first single out to the masses?

Yeza: My motivation to become a musician was my own inner calling over my shoulder every day, asking me “Will you regret it for the rest of your life if you do not pursue music?” This voice would not leave me in peace and I finally gave in and decided that this would be my destiny.

When my first single came out, I felt accomplished. I was grateful for the opportunity to work from the legendary studio of Bobby Digital and to also work with big players in reggae music like Calibud. He was welcoming and supportive. The reaction from the world when they heard the track was also beautiful. It made me feel like I made the right decision.

876: Judging by your catalogue so far, you have a diverse makeup as you can deliver hard-hitting, soulful and sultry songs to captivate audiences. How would you describe your style and delivery as a musician?

Yeza: I would describe it as “rude girl roots” and truths (laughs). This is just really who I am. I give myself to the music and I am a diverse being, a being that is influenced by reggae and dancehall music alike. By alternative, R&B and soul. I try to stay true to who I am.

I would like to think that I am cultured and soulful. But, one could say I’m also from the “streets,” so you’ll get the culmination of both.

876: What would say has been the most rewarding thing about being a musician? And, what has been the biggest struggle?

Yeza: The most rewarding thing is when the intended message connects to the people near and far, I get a deep sense of satisfaction that is unmatched.

I think the struggle for me has been the music business aspect of the music. It’s not my favorite thing to deal with and it can become exhausting having to deal with other people and their perspective of what your art should be. In a perfect world, I would just want to record music. But, I have to do what I have to.

876: You’ve collaborated with the likes of Sizzla Kalonji and Turbulence already in your career. What was it like for you to work with such revered artistes? And, who are your dream collaborations going forward?

Yeza: It was tremendous to work with both legends because I grew up listening to both. It’s almost like an unreal experience when you can go from thinking about doing something to doing it and working with household names. I’m a big fan of both artists so it was in fact incredible. To this day it seems a little unreal to me (laughs).

Kalonji was a sweet soul in the studio and we talked about sound and commuting the art, a golden opportunity for me. Turbulence told me on the set of shooting our music video that he rates my work, and that was just to die for coming from him.

As for future collaborations, I’m keeping those a surprise for now. But, I for sure want to work with Jah9, Micah Shemiah, Chronnix and Kabaka (Pyramid). Also, Hempress Sativa, Samory I, I like Sevana as well, to name a few.

876: You recently released your anthem for the natural body beauties called “Organic,” which keeps getting rave reviews. In a society that often promotes the ‘dolly’ culture, it was refreshing to see a song like this. What motivated you to write the single? And, why is it so important to you to highlight natural beauty like this?

Yeza: It was important for me to represent women like myself because we don’t really have that much support from the actual music scene. And, what I mean is that the songs that encourage women to be beautiful naturally are few and far between these days. So, I needed to encourage the beautiful women who are on their organic journey. It’s my way of saying “Sis, don’t let them fool you okay?”  “Wi still ah block traffic.” And, not only that, our bodies are naturally healthier when we actually do the right things like eating well and exercising. Looking good is certain once you’re living like that. So, it’s a win-win.

Lastly, every time I step out of the house these days, I get hit with the question of whether my body is real or fake. I think the song is my reply.

Yeza and a pair of fellow beauties enjoy watermelons during the video shoot for ‘Organic’

876: We’ve had the pleasure of featuring you as an 876 Beauty throughout the year. Being an 876 Beauty, what do you consider your most attractive physical feature? And, what’s your most attractive non-physical feature?

Yeza: Thank you so much for the features! My most attractive physical feature…well, I really like the overall shape of my body. I think it’s an art of creation and I take pride in maintaining it as best as possible organically. It also reminds me of my mother and the fact that she is a part of me because it’s exactly how she looked in her younger days.

My best non-physical feature has got to be my above-average level of intellectual capacity, and my spirit. I’m not just book-smart, I can reason and rationalize things well. My brain is sharp and I have a natural inclination to know and learn many things, which is literally fun for me; it makes me feel like a child.

876: A lot of men out here seeing you out here and wondering what pick-up lines they’re gonna use to try and win you over (laughs). What are your biggest turn-ons and turn-offs that make you decide if there’s a connection or not with someone?

Yeza: (Laughs) I like it when men have a balance of assertiveness and composure. Know what you want and go after it, but don’t be in a rush to get to the final destination. I don’t like it when men are wishy-washy, sending mixed signals, giving scattered attention and when they’re disrespectful, these types get no attention.

876: What is one interesting fact about yourself that people may not know?

Yeza: I do my own hair (laughs). And, my real natural hair is waist-length.

876: Finally, any upcoming projects you can tell us about that we should be looking forward to? And, how can our legions of followers find your music, as well as you on social media?

Yeza: Stay tuned for the next single from the album and a few collabs! Album also drops soon soon! Follow me everywhere: @yeza_music. Stream me on Spotify, Audiomack, iTunes, follow me on TikTok and Insta, Yeza_Music