TIKA SIMONE

 

What is your ethnic background?

Trini-Macan (Trinidadian, Jamaican and Canadian lol)

 

What inspires you?

Music, progressive people, clever lyrics in a song, love

 

How did your environment shape you?

I’ve lived in Jamaica and Toronto. Both were culture shocks for me in different ways. I enjoyed the Jamaican lifestyle but I was definitely more close-minded about different people. I developed more of an open mind in Toronto because of the different cultures I was exposed to. I’ve learned how to embrace and love FIRST as opposed to judging others. This environment has taught me how to be a multi-faceted butterfly and an understanding friend. 

 

What is your definition of 'Canadian Culture'?

A quilt of extraordinary people woven together to make cultural stew! YUMMY!

 

What would you be doing if it wasn't singing?

I’d be doing EVERYTHING I could to be the dopest songwriter EVER. Anything that involves music or entertainment is where my heart lies. But if worst came to worst, I’d probably be travelling to find where I fit in.

 

Hometown

Oakville, Ontario (shocking, right?)

 

What do you want to be remembered for?

I want to be remembered for making an impact in a positive, realistic way. I want to be remembered as an awesome performer, a great friend and making the BEST jerk chicken EVER!

 

Who’s your hero? Why?

My hero is my best friend Derek. I know it sounds cheesy, but he makes me want to be a better person. When I felt backed against the wall, Derek was always there to uplift me and lend an open ear and an open mind. He knows how to simplify things for me. I yearn to be as patient and kind as him one day.

 

Education

Is of great importance. Although a chunk of what I know is from personal growth and experience, I found that I learned so much from my peers IN school.

 

What makes you happy?

Going away, reading books while eating cereal, cooking for my friends, meeting different people, hearing a song that I’ve never heard before that makes me want to write better….actually that last one makes me jealous.

 

Tell us something about you that no one knows?

I’m afraid of vomit. And I enjoy crying.

 

What social cause is most important to you?

Self-Esteem. Quite a few people have assumed that one of my biggest obstacles has been my weight because I’m full-figured. I really never noticed it until people started putting it out there. I want to be able to show young girls (and boys) that they are beautiful no matter what. We are all created different for a reason. I’m an advocate of physical and mental health.

 

Recommended books

Angels & Demons, The Jolly Postman, The Road, Anything by Roald Dahl (I adore fantasy novels and childrens’ books.)

 

Recommended CDs

Anything by Miriam Makeba, Johnny Cash, Chante Moore, Maxwell, K-OS, The Trews, Me’Shell N’Degeocello’s Bitter…I could go on forever. Honestly.

 

High school flash back

Singing and playing keys in the music room at lunchtime with my friends. Oh, and running home when a kid vomited in my Grade 10 English class.

 

What does it mean to you to be Canadian

To be Canadian is to be who you WANT and desire to be. And not be reprimanded for it. This country is a country of acceptance and change. I’m proud to be Canadian.

 

Where is your favourite place to go?

To Jamaica. Or nestled in my grandmothers’ arms.