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As we get ready for 2011 Trinidad Carnival season, We at Entertainment Macco have been checking out all the new music releases and we came across a really interesting number by Nzunaki "Naki" Tuitt, is a Toronto-based talented recording artiste, and songwriter. Although she has been involved in the Entertainment Industry for some time, she remains relatively new to the Soca scene. For C2K11, Naki is featured on Ma$tamind Production's "D Tin-Pan Riddim" and she has many wondering who the sassy talent is. Entertainment Macco had the opportunity to catch up with Naki for the 2nd time and boy did we grill her....
Entertainment Macco: Describe Naki; who are you?
Naki: “I am an artiste; a writer, singer and performer. I am a spiritual being, a loving person and a warrior. I am a social worker. I am a daughter, a sister and a great friend.”
Entertainment Macco: As a female, what is a major obstacle for you have to overcome to be in the entertainment industry?
Naki: “I have to maintain a level head and ignore the unwanted advances of men when I am in music mode. Big Annoyance and huge obstacle in more ways than one!!! When I on music I wanna be on music and nothing else, leave d sh*t talk and ego for when we done record and pushing out tunes. It doesn't always work that way. People start toting feelings mixing it with the business of music and next ting yunno, song hold up.”
Entertainment Macco: Now I have been following you for a while, so I know you were into Calypso music, why the change to Soca?
Naki: “I haven't really changed or switched to Soca. I am just giving Kaiso a slight rest. It’s where I started and where I got my stage experience. I love that art form so I will never fully divorce it. But I am just investing more energy into Soca right now. It’s like my love affair.”
Entertainment Macco: Are you singing strictly Soca now, if yes, why did you make that decision?
Naki: “Well, I certainly will be focusing on Soca the most, but I am not limited to that genre. Look just 2 weeks ago I recorded a sweet reggae. Music is music, but I need to beat this iron while it’s hot, so Soca is top priority for this year and the next few.”
Entertainment Macco: You are relatively new to the industry but I still have to ask, what about the industry really grinds your nerves? What would you like to change?
Naki: “I want dj's to play good music and stop waiting for you to be their friend or in their camp to play it. I want people to be more open-minded and receptive to new ideas. Stop being bandwagonists. I want Soca ambassadors and Soca lovers to stop being so tunnel visioned. Put love over money and you will still be rich financially. It have enough for everybody to eat man. Also, to the men, take it easy on the ladies, nuh. Macco if I tell you how many times tears come to my eyes cause I wanna talk music and the other person wanna talk something else. I go home and tell my manager/friends "dat's it, ah done!!!...."
Entertainment Macco: I am hearing something about you “Talking In Tongues” (haha), what is that about? Who wrote the song?
Naki: “Talking in Tongues is epic. Any woman can relate. It’s a sexual song about a man giving you so much sweetness that you can’t even talk, words fail you, you feel like u in a different dimension. Tameka Jarivs George of Antigua wrote that song. She is so creative and I’m glad she chose me to sing it.”
Entertainment Macco: Where did the idea come? Is it that you were approached by the songwriter or you went to her with the idea?
Naki: “The way this came about was almost too good to be true. Tameka wanted a chance to write I wanted a chance to sing. My manager Natasha, made the union. She said to Tameka, "Ah want something risky and sexy for Naki". Initially we worked on another song and scrapped that idea earlier in the year. When De Tin-pan came up Tameka wrote to it in no time and sent it back to my manger. They both said "see if you like that". Initially I said NO and I’ll think about it, Because it was so 'risqué' but by the next day the "katooonkas" were stuck in my head and ah couldn't stop singing it.”
Entertainment Macco: How did you end up on De Tin-Pan riddim?
Naki: “Well again, my manager Natasha told me we have a wicked riddim, you can write something or I can get a song for you to sing on it. I loved that riddim the first couple seconds of hearing it. I would listen to it on repeat to and from work. I still wrote another song for it you know. But I couldn't resist that "stickaakaatoonka" on it. Big props to Ma$tamind who is one of the most talented and patient producers I know. He really cooks up this musical madness in minutes.”
Naki: “Well again, my manager Natasha told me we have a wicked riddim, you can write something or I can get a song for you to sing on it. I loved that riddim the first couple seconds of hearing it. I would listen to it on repeat to and from work. I still wrote another song for it you know. But I couldn't resist that "stickaakaatoonka" on it. Big props to Ma$tamind who is one of the most talented and patient producers I know. He really cooks up this musical madness in minutes.”
Entertainment Macco: What has the feedback been like so far?
Naki: “So far it’s getting a nice buzz. I’m grateful because it really was a risk. But I'm happy dj's are having fun with it trying to translate the chorus. Men messaging me asking if they could "honker my horn" or make me TiT (Talk in Tongues) and women asking "Naki, is talking in tongues you say? I never get that" hahahahah. People wondering and asking so that’s good. And it’s a plus that the entire riddim is hot!”
Entertainment Macco: So hear nah, a man ever made you talk in tongues?
Naki: “Yuh putting me on blast EM, You is really a macco boy. Let’s just say ah come REALLLL close. I have a song called "Weakness" that I wrote, to drop later on in the year and that will tell you what does make me TiT. lol.”
Entertainment Macco: Is it fair to assume that you have a man in your life? If yes, what do you look for in a man, if no; what are you looking for?
Naki: “Girl, you should’ve asked me what my most elusive goal is. I'd say a good man. I am surely interested in someone but I am officially single because a lot of men fear commitment and I refuse to lower my standards. I’m good enough to be one man's Queen, alone and I won’t share my throne. All I want is commitment. Spirituality and Intelligence, Honesty and Respect are a must. He should be ambitious and must have some swag going on yes and it would be a definite plus if they are into music.”
Entertainment Macco: What does sexy mean to you?
Naki: “Sexy is an Energy, An attitude, An Aura, ah Vibe…yuh get the drift right? It’s how you present. You can be in a 'pom pom' shorts and belly top and still not be sexy, you can be thrashy..…someone else can come and pull of the same 'sexy' you were aiming for in that same outfit because they give off a different energy. It has to do with confidence and the intent behind your dress, speech, walk and attitude. You can’t come across as force ripe or trying too hard.”
Entertainment Macco: Talking about sexy, I maccoed a picture on your facebook fanpage that is quite sexy; with your back is naked, are you concerned about how you would be perceived by others when they look at that picture or worried about a backlash?
Naki: “Well I’m glad you find it sexy and not thrashy. No and No. The people that care about me do though. They warned me "Naki, not this one, take it down". But I’m a stubborn Taurus. The words of the song TiT, if you listen are ten times sexier than the image of a naked back. Also I am of age. I am singing a very sexy song so I didn’t see the need to come out in a full linen suit like when I'm singing my kaiso. The message is different, the audience is different. If I get a backlash for that then I can take the heat. People will talk regardless, even if I put on a hijab.”
Entertainment Macco: What message are you trying to send with the picture?
Naki: “Honestly, I'm not trying to SEND ANY message with the picture. The message is in the music. I am just being me..when I am a hard back 40 or 50 yr old woman with child you won’t be seeing my naked back….but right now that’s just one tiny aspect of my persona. If there is any message at all it’s BE YOURSELF!! Don't fake da funk.”
Entertainment Macco: Since your back outside, I had time to notice a tattoo, also the last time we met up I saw a few as well (grins), Tell me about them, do you ink for fun or are they meaningful? (share them)
Naki: “hmmm Macco again. lol. …I don't ink for fun…haha….it stings you know. lol. But every tattoo that I got I thought about it for at least 6mths-a yr before getting it. My first tattoo on my back I got on my 20th birthday, it’s an ankh with a dove resting on it; it represents femininity, eternity and peace: Peace Eternally. The next is a small black panther on my ankle it represents strength, resilience and mystery. Lawd so many.”
Entertainment Macco: Haha....
Naki: “I have a music note behind my ear, that represents the love for the music that’s always in my head. I have "Love Life" on my wrists. My full name Nzunaki means "God's gift is Greatest" and I believe His greatest gifts are Love and life. Almost there, I got one of my favourite bible verses "When I fall I shall Rise, When I sit in Darkness the Lord shall be my light" on my inner left arm; that's self explanatory.”
Entertainment Macco: Some deep stuff....
Naki: “The Last one I got on Dec31st 2010 on my shoulder says "Perfectly Imperfect" and it’s about self love and embracing your perfect-self amidst your imperfections. They are all mostly in discreet places. One more and I’m done!! My dad will kill me. lol.”
Entertainment Macco: Now is a really good time to worry about your dad...lol
Entertainment Macco: Growing up in the Caribbean most people don’t talk about sexuality; it is still quite taboo, however this song is really direct. Is it safe to say that you are very direct and open about your sexuality..Are you worried how you would be perceived?
Naki: “I’m quite shy behind closed doors when it comes to sex and sexuality you know. But I like to live vicariously through my music. I'm direct and open about life, sexuality included. I’m not afraid to speak/sing my mind nor am I that worried about perception because I don't do or say anything that I can’t backup or stand behind. People will always talk.”
Entertainment Macco: What is the one thing you want to be recognized for in the industry?
Naki: “Ah know you said one. But I have TWO. Versatility as an artiste and Being a great ambassador for our culture!!”
Naki: “Ah know you said one. But I have TWO. Versatility as an artiste and Being a great ambassador for our culture!!”
Entertainment Macco: What do you think sets you apart from other females in the industry?
Naki: “I have much respect for all my female counterparts in the industry and I believe they are all unique in there own way and I do not compare myself. I am not scared to try new things I am not scared to mash people's corns because I don't depend on soca to eat or pay my bills.”
Entertainment Macco: So you are not a full-time artiste? What industry are you employed in?
Naki: “Currently I am not. I wouldn't mind it though. I am also a social worker. I currently work with youths 13-25years at a youth drop-in centre/group home. I deal with at risk youths, homelessness, addictions, mental health, abuse, employment etc and I really love my job. If I had all the money in the world I'd still be doing music and social work.”
Entertainment Macco: Wow.....talented, ambitious and career driven
Entertainment Macco: Can we expect more music from you for the season?
Naki: “Which season? Dry season, or wet season? (joking) My producer said the other day "There is life after Carnival"…so there will be no more songs for the TRINI carnival season, but Yes definitely, I have a couple things waiting to drop when the bacchanal subsides. I don't want to be an artiste just releasing tracks for Carnival. This year I'm gonna be turning it up a notch and raining songs on them.”
Naki: “Which season? Dry season, or wet season? (joking) My producer said the other day "There is life after Carnival"…so there will be no more songs for the TRINI carnival season, but Yes definitely, I have a couple things waiting to drop when the bacchanal subsides. I don't want to be an artiste just releasing tracks for Carnival. This year I'm gonna be turning it up a notch and raining songs on them.”
Entertainment Macco: Are you having difficulties as far as airplay is concerned?
Naki: “Yesssssss and no, But I am not one to gripe though. I believe if you stay positive, persistent and consistent and yuh good…eventually they have no choice but to play the music. As a foreign based artiste, it’s a challenge getting airplay "home". Out here you have to do the ground work to make yourself and your product visible. This song Talking in Tongues is getting some good buzz so next tune, I hope not as many people should be asking "Who is this Naki?"
Entertainment Macco: What is your most proud/cherished memory/moment?
Naki: “There isn't ONE, that I can pick. At every phase of my journey in life there have been hallmarks that I cherish immensely. Passing all my cxc and A-Levels was one, succeeding in Kaiso another, Getting my Degree another, writing, recording and performing my own music another, buying meh car, a next..lol……there are too many and to herald one over the other would b unfair…yunno”
Entertainment Macco: What about regrets, do you have any?
Naki: “I was gonna say a profound Yessss but I would have to explain and that guy would know is he ah talking bout so NO….The Mistakes I make aren't really mistakes they are opportunities for growth and learning and strengthening my character, so naahh…Whatever happened, happened for a reason. No Regrets.”
Entertainment Macco: Haha @ that guy will know!
Entertainment Macco: Is there anything, if given the opportunity you would change about yourself?
Naki: “Yes, I'd work on my hastiness, my hot mouth and my spending habits, somebody say shopaholic.”
Entertainment Macco: If you could work with one artiste; Caribbean based or otherwise, who would it be and why?
Naki: “You asking answers man. Machel is the first. I don't care if it is when he is in a rocking chair he has to come say "Huuuy" on my track but I value and admire than man's persistence, dedication, work ethic and passion. He is a true true Artiste. Next I wouldn't mind sharing the stage with artistes like Lauryn Hill and Pink, they are so free. In the Caribbean?? Black Stalin, Kartel, JahBami, Lil Rick, Lyrikal, and Destra, these are energetic and talented people but you said ONE right? Lol”
Entertainment Macco: Why do you think there are more successful men in the entertainment industry than women?
Naki: “Because they say "this is a man's world" so when we women try getting in we are expected to do all kinds of things outside our character to gain access and to succeed. Women have to sacrifice more than men but we coming up man.”
Entertainment Macco: Honestly, what is your opinion on the Soca industry; how do u feel about it?
Naki: “I love Soca so ah cant bad talk it, but sometimes it’s frustrating to see good good music go to waste because of the ego's and money hungry ways involved in this business. Mainly ego's and petty fame, that’s what holding us back, especially TRINI Soca. Unity in the music is all Soca needs and we gone clear. Also were missing some creativity, i.e stuck on d jump and wave but I see this year a good amount of people pushing the boundaries and “we ting” sounding good. The art form is evolving nicely man.”
Entertainment Macco: Thank you Naki for the opportunity to “macco yuh biz” LOL it was a pleasure
Naki: “Anytime, my window always open so you could peep… LOL. Thank you EM for the opportunity and I just want to say a thank you for all the support from my Family, Friends and supporters.
Catch Naki on Twitter: @Nakstarmusic and on
