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Bella Blair challenges stereotype with ‘On the Side’

Published:Tuesday | March 8, 2022 | 12:07 AMKrysta Anderson/Staff Reporter
Bella Blair is one of Pandora’s ‘Caribbean Artistes to Watch 2022’.
Bella Blair is one of Pandora’s ‘Caribbean Artistes to Watch 2022’.

When did you find out that you were the other woman? Recording artiste Bella Blair addresses that issue in her new single, On the Side.

Pandora’s ‘Caribbean Artistes to Watch 2022’ told The Gleaner that her aim for this track was to break away from the norm of the all-knowing side chick and speak up on half of women unsuspected of their minor role who are caught by surprise when they come face-to-face with the sad reality.

“I’ve been hearing a lot of side chick songs, with the side chick bragging about being the side chick, so I wanted to write one with the side chick who didn’t know she was a side chick and who regretted being in that position. Kinda like the sad side chick who eventually took her power back,” she explained.

Written in her home studio a few years ago, she was so inspired by the introduction that she created the chorus, followed by the song soon after. It took the dancehall-pop singer only a day to complete. “The producer for On The Side, Kevin Webster, understood the assignment – as he always does. We got the exact feel we were looking for! And that fusion vibe along with visual direction by Nickii Kane created a very cinematic feel. We definitely created magic,” she shared with excitement.

It was important to note that her music video experiences have certainly changed since she became a mother. The mother and ‘songtrepreneur’ had her daughter on set for most of the day, adding more sunshine to her already bright day. The video covered festive aspects of jaw-dropping beauty, heart-to-heart girl talk and high fashion, with lots of dancing in the mix.

Releasing just days before Valentine’s Day was a strategic move by Team Bella to accommodate all facets of love, not just the adoration associated with Cupid. “I thought a lot of people could relate. It’s a topic on love but not the typical one,” Blair said.

So far, she has received positive reviews, with many noting that Bella Blair is on the right track in bringing something refreshing to the table, which is reflected in this single along with the others featured on her EP Shine.

“It’s relevant for all ages. Men cheat on girls all the time and lie to them. Everyone’s experienced some form of heartbreak,” she said, adding, “I want listeners to know that if they have ever found themselves in that position (on the side), it’s okay and there is no shame in the game. Just know your worth, brush yourself off, and try again.”

So what’s next for the aspiring megastar? More music and more content. After all, Bella Blair is all for growing and evolving with the times. For those women still playing into the stereotype of a boastful side chick, the dancehall-pop artist had this to say, “Any woman who is settling for a side-piece position needs to raise her level. Strive for the number-one position. Man nuh short!”

krysta.anderson@gleanerjm.com