KINGSTON, Jamaica — After flirting with retirement from music, Tifa is re-energised as she embarks on a return journey to the mainstream of local entertainment.

With an effervescent personality that is arguably unmatched by any other female in dancehall, along with a trademark flow, the ‘certified musical diva’ has made a mark in the industry she recently almost bid farewell to.

As fate would have it, instead of saying goodbye, the entertainer is ushering in a new phase of her career, one she’s hoping fans will ‘say yes’ to as she releases a brand new single.

In an interview with Observer Online, Tifa, who nabbed a fiery single with Grammy-winning reggae artiste Kabaka Pyramid in 2022, said she has re-centred, re-emerged and is more than ready to embrace her musical resurgence.

“I have finally washed off the crosses,” she laughed.

“But, on a more serious note. Yes, I have organised an amazing team and I have been in the studio a lot doing extensive work with the ‘Billboard King’ Kemar McGregor as well as others. I’ve just been having fun with the music and it’s all been paying off,” Tifa said.

“I’m just giving thanks for the many blessings right now. 2023 was a BIG blessing! It was a major reintroduction for me into the entertainment and Jamaican sphere! I did Sumfest, Welcome to Jamrock Cruise and other major shows back home. I did some work with Red Stripe and other brands as well as touring the United States etc,” she continued. “A lot of people love me and my talent and want to see me. So yes 2023 kick-started many amazing things that are going to happen and be revealed in 2024.”

As it relates to her latest single, which was released on Friday, Tifa says the track is geared at the ladies as she believes it is important that females continuously have songs to ‘walk out’ to in dancehall. According to the ‘Spell It Out’ deejay, today’s women are multi-faceted, hardworking beings who deserve to also party hard.

“The single was inspired by the need to have a current anthem to walk out and bruk out on,” she expressed unreservedly. “Nowadays woman a go hard in terms of hustling, owning business, homes etc other than the femininities. They should be able to go hard too when they party! There should be more current representation for US in music.”

With Friday, March 8 also being celebrated as International Women’s Day, Tifa says she is happy she gets to continue representing her gender whilst doing what she loves.

“I just pray God continues to give me the energy I need to continue this crazy journey because we all are in for a hell of a Tifa ride 2024,” she said, offering words of encouragement for aspiring female entertainers as they get ready to enter a male-dominated industry. “Believe in yourself, talent and dreams! Never sell out or sell yourself! Be yourself and work hard. What is for you can’t be for someone else.”

Speaking of what is meant to be, Tifa told Observer Online that her comeback was destined as fans and colleagues alike have been showing up and showing out for her. She is especially pleased with the reaction to her new single.

“From behind to in front the scenes the energy and vibe surrounding the song has been crazy from inception,” she said, sharing her goals for the track. “It was always my dream to hit the Billboard Hot 100, I’ve been #8 on the emerging artist chart years ago but I wanna roll with the Big Dogs! Realistically, any card can play, but as long as we make a positive impact and people worldwide love the song, I’ll be good.”

With the new track being a clear indication of her intentions for her career, Tifa insists there’s a lot more where Say Yes came from.

“You’re gonna be seeing a lot more Tifa locally and internationally! I’ve put in a lot of work and along with the assistance of Kemar Want to help to champion the movement to bring dancehall back on a level with quality music and catchy unforgettable bangers! Like we use to have. Not only locally but on the international sphere,” she said.