Yeza revels in being the ‘righteous bad gyal’
Fast-emerging 'Lyrical Lioness' Yeza is climbing to the top with an organic, "righteous bad gyal" energy backed by a positive vibration and a deeply rooted cultural message.
Yeza, who hails from the Bull Bay area in St Andrew, revealed that her erotic but patriotic approach to music is a true reflection of her passion, melted in her exposure to various forms of music from a tender age.
"I am a conscious artiste but I have strong influences coming from the street because of where I grew up and just being in the middle of the sound system. Dancehall culture as a youngster in east side...was very instrumental in shaping my musical style and genre of music. Music has always been my passion," Yeza told THE STAR.
"Because my location was like a venue for a lot of these street dances, I was exposed to the conscious music, just as much as di 'in the streets' and the 'raw-chraw' music. Mi a listen to all a di Bob [Marley], Dennis Brown and Marcia Griffiths dem inna di early juggling setting when the dance start, to the end with the dancehall songs, and I appreciate dem on a level," she said.
The creative intellect, who holds a bachelor's degree in history from The University of the West Indies, Mona, said if it wasn't music, she would be an educator or a researcher in the field of physics. She is currently pursuing an online programme in quantum physics.
Though she possesses the full package of a marketable female artiste with the right level of swag, intelligence and people-person persona, she was heavily criticised when she burst on the scene, due to her erotic and sexually appealing attire, coupled with her voluptuous body. The 'roots reggae baddie' had tongues wagging about her strong fashion trends being "too revealing" for a reggae artiste.
"My definition is the only thing I need and I said it myself - I am a righteous bad gyal; don't only focus pon di righteous and lef out di bad gyal and [vice versa] - it's a full package," said Yeza.
Making a major step in the music industry with her Bobby Digital produced 2017 single - Everything is Irie - Yeza believes that this has cemented her place as a new artiste and created a wider network for her to market her talent. She described her journey as one of "growth, learning and adjusting...and hopes that the blessings will manifest". The vibrant singjay created a massive buzz with her 2024 single Organic.
"It was necessary because the organic baddie dem neva really have nutten fi uplift dem and impressions and representation is very, very important. So I feel it was my duty on a cultural level to bring forth supmn weh represent for the natural women to appreciate themselves as they are and they don't have to sign up to whatever [trend] is out there now which is the cosmetic procedure and the dolly vibes," she revealed.
Amassing more than 1.5 million views and 80,000 social media impressions globally, the song was lauded for its authentic 90s dancehall vibe and positive message. It also got a huge endorsement from reggae/dancehall legend Patra, who jumped on a remix after a public appeal from fans.
Riding that wave, Yeza brought her fans to Coronation Market with her recent 'street single' Road Runner which she said is a tribute to the 'hustlers'.
"Nowadays wi a praise a lot a man weh a use illegal means fi get rich but wah happen to di man/woman dem who honestly a guh to work, wake up early a mawnin time fi get fi dem own fi send dem pickney to school? Dem deserve not just recognition but praises and flowers," Yeza said.
As she looks forward to the release of her upcoming debut 12-track album - Star of the East - on July 25, the artiste is "excited" about the deeper connection it will create with supporters while giving her a chance to fully understand her sound and showcase her talent and versatility.
"I'm still someone new and some people might never yet see consciousness mix with a likkle badness, suh this album will introduce you guys to mi vibes, energy and style of music. Yuh ago get the consciousness, songs about my experiences, love; something fi di girls dem whne up dem body and supm fi di man dem who just waah buss a blank. Wi have everything, I'm really excited about it and it really tells my story," said Yeza.