TANIKA CHARLES

Think of You

How to describe Tanika Charles? Born in Toronto with influences like Stevie Wonder, Quincy Jones, Chaka Khan, Bob James and affiliated with Districtsix Music. Backup singer for and fast friends with Zaki Ibrahim, now working on her first solo project. Most recently opened for heavy weight artists The Roots, and Estelle from the UK. These factual tidbits, though informative, do not define who Tanika Charles really is.

For as long as I’ve known Tanika Charles, she has come off as a genuinely beautiful, caring, and charismatic person. When you meet Tanika for the first time, you feel an unbelievable state of comfort and ease about her that is rare in these high stress bustling days. In her music, she demonstrates and applies these same qualities: calm, cool, casual, and confident. We here at Earwaks got a chance to sit down and chat about her movements.

Tell me about your recent trip, what was your most memorable experience?

I recently returned from South Africa inspired and awakened. Myself and the D6 crew travelled to Cape Town, Johannesburg and The Wild Coast. It would be difficult for me to pinpoint the most memorable experience (too many amazing things) but If I could break it down to one, it would be the Safari/Elephant walk on the Wild Game reserve.

Seeing animals in their natural habitat is always a beautiful thing. I was able to touch and hug an elephant, and that alone was exhilarating. I also did a Moon Rise hike up Table Mountain in Cape Town. The sun was going down on one side and the moon was rising on the other. Are you kidding me?

Tell me about the political spectrum there, and were the differences between Canada and South Africa?

I could speak heavily on the political spectrum but there are so many levels and different views on the subject that I'm afraid to delve into it. The abolition of Apartheid (in a perfect world) should have improved ethnic relations, but there is still so much hurt and it will continue to exist this way for some time. I would love to see the world through rose colored glasses but this country has deeply ingrained prejudice. Heredity and appearance is how you are accepted. And even then are you really accepted?

For example, I went to a restaurant and the man behind the counter called me sisi. I was like "hey what's up?" and gave him my order. Meanwhile behind me a friend of mine started laughing. She said he assumed I was Sutu (a tribe in Africa) so he called me sisi. I guess when I answered him with a Canadian accent, his face was in disbelief. I didn't catch that, I was totally confused. In Canada, someone, a stranger, calls me "sis" and I'll respond pleasantly. It's almost a term of endearment, you know? In South Africa, there are negative connotations underlying each interaction, even between strangers.

On a lighter note, they are way more advanced than we are when it comes to music.. on point, I should say. House music is big, even the style of dancing is unique and it was an experience to witness and be a part of.

How do you feel about record labels, and the music industry in general?

The digital revolution has changed everything so it's great for independent artists and it's making major labels rethink the business aspect of the art. It's leveling the playing field for both major and independent artists. To be honest, I don't really think about labels. Right now, I make music because I enjoy making music and connecting with people in the community. That energy in itself can help generate future connections with positive, forward thinking people who are on the quest to run their own ship.

What are you currently working on, when is the album dropping?

Right now, I'm working on the completion of my EP. I'm also in the studio with Slakah and in the lab with Gigz! I've given myself a deadline. March. The date? Dunno, but March is the month for magic!!! Keep your ears open!!!