Interview: Tamia, Singer and Songwriter - Page 4

My favorite song off of Between Friends is "Last First Kiss." I think a lot of people can relate to that dream. My personal favorite, from all of your albums, however, is "Tomorrow," which was the closing track on More. A few years ago, you gave a powerful performance of the Winans' hit on BET's Bobby Jones Gospel show. Can we expect a Gospel album in the future?

I don't know. I would like to. That was my signature song in church, and the Bobby Jones performance was a huge moment for me. My very first concert, as a kid, was a Winans concert with the Clark Sisters—so it was an amazing moment for me.

It was an amazing moment for Gospel lovers as well. Chill bumps were going up and down my arm. It was evident that the Spirit was shining through your performance. In the early years, what pressures did you have to overcome, so that you were known for your voice instead of your pretty face? Over the years, you have been able to balance your sensual side with style and grace.

That comes with getting out there and performing. As far as records, especially nowadays, you can sort of hide behind them. With Pro Tools, you can come out sounding like Whitney Houston. In front of a live audience, however, you can not hide your performance. That is where you get a chance to separate yourself from the rest of the pack. People are curious to find out if you can do the same things you do on record.

Is there a particular song whose reception surprised you?

I wasn't surprised about the success "Me." Shep is such a great songwriter. I have to admit that the lyrics caught a few people by surprise. I can always tell whether or not someone's really listening to the song because they say, "What? She's just changing it up completely."

Well, I knew better.

Someone once told me, "You have a strong lesbian following. Did you do that song on purpose?" Well, if you listen closely, then you know that the other woman in the song is me! [laughing]

Well, one thing is certain: you caught everyone's attention. [laughing] Do you have a special relationship with the South African audience? Between Friends was released in South Africa several months before its arrival in the United States.

Article Author: Clayton Perry

Clayton Perry's mission parallels that of John Hope Franklin, Marcus Garvey and Carter G. Woodson. As the founder of the NUBIANO Project, Perry facilitates the design of projects that give voice to the Black diaspora, empower the Black community, …

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