Diana King’s ThinkLikeAGirl Music (TLAG) record label will be distributing an all-woman compilation album called Big Woman Tingz. TLAG operates like a network, which has a connected and formed a conglomerate of young Jamaican female singers free of cost. “Historically, female ‘anything’ is not taken seriously and isn’t respected or given the credit deserved. We are exploited much more and paid much less. To be in this business, many times we pay the ultimate price with our bodies. It’s left us no choice but to take our careers into our own hands,” King told The Gleaner.
“I choose to work with female artistes for free so they don’t have to worry about certain ‘things’. I take nothing. Artistes own their music and publishing. As an artiste, I saw a need, and I filled it. I started ThinkLikeAGirl Music for myself. It’s the label I wish I had when I started out. Over the years, it has evolved,” she continued.
Positing that many disagree with her approach, the label’s founder remains steadfast in her refusal to accept payment from those she chooses to work with because ”TLAG Music is a unique label. Try to understand this is my soul’s calling, and I am just answering it. It makes me happy to give. If in the future I need something, then at that time, I will ask for something. Right now, I have enough”.
With the pervasive ideology in the music industry that sex sells, Big Woman Tingz is positioned to turn the notion on its head. “We are taking about sex. The ugly side – the rape and abusive side and sexuality in general,” she declared.
FEMALE EMPOWERMENT
The Gleaner asked if the upcoming compilation album will address LGBT+ issues and align itself with the female empowerment movement. King said: “All our issues are connected by oppression. Check it! They are also humans rights issues. This music on Big Woman Tingz speaks about that – about being oppressed, love, adversities, mental state, courage, survival and joy. All relate to these things, no matter who you are.”
As the #MeToo/#TimesUp movement continues to pick up steam in the US, King believes it can make its way to Jamaican shores. “It’s a natural flow. Courage is contagious!”
Keisha Firmm, Minori, Shivan, Ghana, Joan, Jamila Falak, CK, Lisa Hyper, The Wizard, Khalia, Malica and Ari Lopez are the featured artistes on Big Woman Tingz. The artistes were pulled together by Tandra Jhagroo. “She’s known for being an engineer, both in studio and live. She A&Red, sourced and brought the album to me already done, with the exception of two additional songs. In total, 12 songs will be on the album,” King said.
With the range of artistes presented, reggae is still the foundational sound for the project. TLAG Music plans to release Big Woman Tingz next month.
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