Women’s History Month may be over for another year, but around here, the empowerment and inspiration continues all year round. And to celebrate and acknowledge the idea that women should always be celebrated, we’re putting artist Yeza’s new track ‘Glory’ on repeat. Let’s just say, once you take a listen, you will understand why, and we won’t blame you for making it your new girl power anthem.
Born and raised in Jamaica, Yeza has been described as a force to be reckoned with in the reggae industry. Only in her 20’s, Yeza’s musically journey started 3 years ago with her early songs recorded in the iconic Bobby Digital recording studio. Since then Yeza has been releasing reggae music such as ‘Is It Because I’m Black’, produced by Rory Stone love.
Her debut album is set to be released in the second half of 2022, and ‘Glory’, released February 18, is the first single that fans, new and old alike, will get to hear. Yeza channels her deep, inner emotion on the heavy-hitting, punchy, dancehall genre-blending beat produced by Yo Christon following his recent release success of Bounty Killa’s ‘Dat’s Gadzilla’ ft. Vybz Kartel and Busy Signal.
Tapping into her emotions about the global pandemic and her passion for being a strong female voice for socialism in her country, Yeza described in a press release how the song is like a mantra or a chant of all the things she needed to hear to stay focused, positive and driven amidst the crisis.
“I feel that if these words can lift my spirit, it can soothe other people’s spirits as well,” she said.
We had the chance to speak with the Rebel Empress herself about what “Glory” means to her, what she wants other women to know about it, and why it is important for her to embrace her Jamaican and African culture in her music.
Tell us about your new track ‘Glory’ and what it represents?
Glory is a track that was birthed from resilience, not giving in and carrying the flames of the Phoenix, a rebirth. “Glory” for me is understanding that no matter the circumstances, each human being is worthy, magnificent and beautiful in their own right. I wanted to reach people who might be thinking of the pandemic as the end of their hopes and dreams, I wanted to tell them that we are already glorious, right now, tomorrow or yesterday. This is because we all carry within us a unique gift, some of us realize it, others may not but we all have this gift.
As March is Women’s History Month, who have been some of the most influential women in your life and in your music career?
My mom has definitely influenced me the most, my aunts, my step mom, my grandmother by default because I grew up around them, I take from their hustle, strength and other mannerisms. Outside of family I am definitely inspired a great deal by musical women across genres; Anita Baker, Lauryn Hill, Beyoncé, Sister Nancy, Patra to name a few. These women owned their strengths and weaknesses, commanded their audience and has left unmatched legacies.
You have been described as a “rebel songstress” and we were instantly hooked by this title! Can you tel us more about what this means to you?
A rebel songstress for me is to be yourself unapologetically. I think I’m seen As such because I live my truth and I’m not afraid to speak my truth even if it clashes with the status quo. I speak on my African culture, my curves my consciousness, these things can be frowned upon by the broader society at times, but I embrace them and use them as my strength.
How has your background and upbringing in Jamaica influenced your songwriting, and the messages you share through your music?
My upbringing has greatly influenced my message; I grew up in the sound system/ dancehall culture of East Rural St. Andrew Jamaica. Due to this, I would always hear big loud speakers or “sound systems” playing all sorts of reggae songs that I was unfamiliar with. Additionally, I grew up on a road that was known for hosting a lot of “street dance” which exposed me to dancehall culture, style and flare. I think my message is thus roots and culture but “street” or righteous but still a little gangster.
Can you share any of your personal story, and how you have channeled your challenges through your music?
I think Glory is a musical documentation of a personal struggle. The uncertainty of the pandemic has influenced everyone including me, I never felt like giving up but frustration kicked in when I realized I was only doing zoom performances with zero audiences, not to mention the lock down of the entertainment industry to a complete standstill in Jamaica at a certain point. Glory was a mantra to myself that I will not give in, I will still carry the torch in the darkest of times.
There is this expectation that women are supposed to be strong, confident and self-assured, yet many systems fail to support us in any way to help us get to this level. Whether it is lack of equal pay, lack of support for mothers, the healthcare system not listening to women, politics stripping back reproductive rights, and the media objectifying women and slut-shaming us when we embrace our own sexuality. How do you use music as a way to address issues you are passionate about, and advocate for feminism?
I would like to say that I don’t see myself as advocating for feminism , as I feel the term has connotations that I don’t necessarily find helpful, but I do see where society finds it easier to cage and tame women. I speak about my confidence in my music , I also uplift the feminine energy. If you listen to “Rebel Empress” I spoke about the fact that the most pure form of feminine energy can heal us all. In other words, I’m here to show women and men alike that women have a specific/ special and undeniable place in society that should be cherished and respected.
Tell us about working with Yo Christian on ‘Glory’ and what this collaboration meant to you?
It was great, we have musical chemistry which I think is awesome so it’s not difficult, it doesn’t feel forced.
When women listen to ‘Glory’, what do you want them to be empowered with?
You are powerful beyond your wildest expectations, tap into your Glory!
‘Glory’ is available to stream on all music platforms, by clicking HERE.
