Hailing from Kingston, Tifa’s musical journey is an inspiring tale rooted in the vibrant Graham Heights community of Kingston 8. Following her parents’ separation, she found herself immersed in the hustle and bustle of Duke Street in Downtown, Kingston, under the care of her grandmother. After her grandmother’s passing, Tifa sought refuge with Joan McDonald, her mother’s best friend and former Ms Jamaica World beauty queen. Throughout her life, Tifa drew strength from her mother, and her passion for music blossomed from an early age, thanks to her stepfather, the renowned music producer Garfield ‘Sampalue’ Phillips.
In April 2011, Tifa marked a milestone by signing an endorsement deal with NUVO, the world’s first sparkling liqueur, as their Brand Diva. Renowned as the certified Diva, Tifa showcased her commanding stage presence at the 2011 Reggae Sumfest Show in Montego Bay, St. James. Presently, she serves as the brand ambassador for Telecommunications giant Digicel and Bigga Soft Drink, a partnership she renewed for the fourth consecutive year in 2017.
Expanding her brand and celebrity status, Tifa delved into merchandising with the launch of her signature headphone line, a collaborative effort with Sound is Genius (SIG) known as the ‘Tifa SIG’ line. In July 2014, the popular urban website Globalgrind.com, owned by American business magnate Russell Simmons, featured Tifa extensively, shedding light on her music, experience with Blount’s disease, and burgeoning career. The same month, she graced the cover of Caribbean urban publication L3 Magazine.
Noteworthy moments in her career include the inclusion of her single “Body Up,” produced by Stephen ‘Di Genius’ McGregor, in the July 11 episode of the Netflix series Hemlock Grove. Recognized among the Top Ten Reggae/Dancehall Greatest Lady Deejays by Largeup.com, Tifa took a significant step in her musical journey by signing with the North America-based independent label, Island Kings Records.
The collaboration bore fruit with the hit single “Bak it Up,” gaining mainstream play in America and peaking inside the Top 20 of the Billboard Twitter Trending 140 Chart in late 2014. Kicking off 2024 with a bang, Tifa released three captivating singles: “Doh Real,” a message to her haters produced by Celtic 222; a taunting dancehall ballad titled “Big Head Boy,” produced by Bob Klean for Klean Entertainment, which received widespread acclaim from both social media and disc jocks.
Tifa’s latest masterpiece, “Say Yes,” produced by the Billboard King Kemar McGregor, marks another milestone in her illustrious career. This dancehall track, paying homage to Dave Kelly with its popular beat remake, is already making waves on social media. A perfect anthem for the dancehall scene, “Say Yes” sets the stage for more exciting releases and international collaborations slated for 2024!
