5 Questions With: Fan Edition

As the messengers of all things culture, recording artistes and creatives alike have a tall task of delivering hot tracks, all while trending and staying relevant in this fast-paced world. Fame aside, these hitmakers are not only excited to be doing what they love, but they are honoured to be bringing joy and music to the masses. We gave fans the opportunity to shoot their shots by asking local entertainers a few questions.

Tesha Stanislaus asked: What’s new with you, Tifa? Any new songs dropping any time soon?

Tifa: Unu miss me? I actually have a new song out right now. It’s called Karma on the Girls Gone Bad EP, featuring Ikaya, Shaneil Muir and Nigerian artiste, Raybekah. Aside from that, I’m working on my new restaurant. There are several permits and protocols to this process, but we’re making strides.

Valisia Chin asked Twani: If you were to win the Super Lotto, how would you invest the money?

Twani: As an entrepreneur, I would definitely have to start a lucrative business, invest in some real estate, and when we make money from that, invest it in the community because I’m always an advocate for giving back to people. I would give back to my family, and, of course, invest in my music, you zimmi? We have to reach a bigger stage and a bigger platform.

Erica Thomas asked Macka Diamond: What would be your response to persons who say it’s time for you to hang up your mic?

Macka Diamond: I would say, would you hang up your talent, what you’re good at and your life so easily? No way; that doesn’t have a time limit. I know my worth, and I know my journey. It’s still here, and it feels like it has just begun. There’s no hanging up. Even if you think you’re going to hang up, you’re still going to be in love with it. Music is just my passion, my love, my everything. So until death do me and this microphone part. I’m still sound; I’m still looking great. Mackadocious! Big woman versus young gyal, ah bay!

Shanell Forsythe asked Yaskta: Your first single is a very relatable and catchy song, very real and authentic. What was the inspiration behind it?

Yaksta: My first single wasn’t really Ambition, but I know that’s the song she is referring to. Ambition was inspired by my life experiences and factors that are affecting us as black people and our society on a whole.

Shaniene Campbell asked Stacious: What was it like preparing for the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) Festival Song Competition, and what has it been like now that you’ve won?

Stacious: I just wanted to bring my style and sound to the competition and not be influenced by previous entries. I wanted to give a choice and an option to other people who would have felt that the competition needed a bit of flair, modernisation and a sound that evolved to where music is back now. I’m happy that I won. I’m happy that others shared in my happiness and believed I deserved to win. But I am overwhelmed by the fact that I have to be spending so much time educating people on the history of the competition and clarifying if a ‘name artiste’ was allowed to enter. I think I deserve a paid position at the JCDC or at the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport.

krysta.anderson@gleanerjm.com