It’s refreshing when no matter the fame they’ve reached, an artist remains their authentic self. Few can do so, but Tinashe is one of the rare musicians it’s impossible not to root for. The LA-based entertainer got her start as an actor, but in 2014 released her debut studio album Aquarius. Eight years and five studio albums later, we’ve seen her perform at music festivals, award shows and stadiums.
If you’re not already a fan of the Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree, scroll on for five reasons why we already are and will continue to stan the multi-hyphenate.
1. She publicly opened up about her bisexuality
Gracing the fall 2020 cover of Gay Times, Tinashe spoke openly about her bisexuality. However, the 29-year-old clarified she doesn’t let orientation completely define her.
“It’s not that I don’t like putting a label on it… But when you say you’re bisexual, a lot of people think… they just have a lack of understanding about what it is,” she explained to the outlet. “And I tend to shy away from terms—I guess this is the theme of my life!—that make people want to categorize me or put me in a box.”
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The “Body Language” singer also addressed misconceptions about bisexuality.
“It’s not like all bisexual people like men and women equally—or like all bisexual people are a certain type of person,” she continued. “Human beings are so versatile. I don’t understand why we’re so obsessed with categorizing each other.”
2. How she feels about being pitted against other Black women in the industry
Tinashe just wants everyone to win. As a guest on Justin Sylvester’s digital series “Just the Sip” on E! in March 2020, the Kentucky-born songstress discussed the invisible competition between fellow Black singers.
“First, it was the superstars, which was like, ‘Whoa… How are you guys gonna pit me against these people?’ It would be: ‘Tinashe, the new Aaliyah. Tinashe, the next Beyoncé.’ I would be like, ‘You guys are setting me up left and right. These people are icons.
“So it started off there, and then it was everyone,” she continued. “I literally could name six different people at one point that has been Tinashe versus… Jhené [Aiko], versus FKA Twigs… Tinashe versus all the R&B girls…Cassie. All the ‘whisper’ singers.”
Unfortunately, it didn’t stop at industry professionals. Even Tinashe’s fans couldn’t help but draw their conclusions.
Let’s hope since this interview aired fans have learned to separate her from equally as talented musicians.
3. She was booked and busy acting before singing
After landing animated roles in the 2004 film The Polar Express and the hit animated series Rocket Power, Tinashe’s big acting break came in 2008 when the BET Awards nominee landed a recurring role on Two and a Half Men. In the long-running sitcom, she played Celeste Burnett in three episodes.
4. You can go from her boyfriend to the subject of a new single
Inspiration for music can come from anywhere. For Tinashe, it doesn’t matter if you were a former boyfriend or current flame, you are fair game when it comes to being the subject matter for a future hit single.
“I don’t even feel like I need to give anyone a disclaimer,” the “No Drama” singer told People after her set at the Grey Goose Essences x GRAMMYs: Sound Sessions Event on April 8. “It’s my experiences. It’s my business to write about.”
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But before she runs to the studio, the independent artist wants to ensure the music is authentic and not rushed.
“I like having new, fresh stuff to perform, but I wouldn’t put something out just to put it out,” Tinashe added.
5. She is classy with her clapbacks
To our knowledge, Tinashe has no enemies. So, it was shocking when fellow musician Azealia Banks seemingly compared Tinashe to English singer-songwriter FKA Twigs. In November 2019, Banks hopped into Tinashe’s comments on one of her Instagram posts with a shady remark.
“Girl you don’t get tired of copying f.k.a twigs?” the “212” rapper wrote.
Tinashe responds to Azealia Banks’ Instagram comment accusing her of copying FKA twigs. pic.twitter.com/f9rIpCZWpr
— Pop Crave (@PopCrave) November 29, 2019
The comment wasn’t ignored by the recipient. Rather than starting a feud, Tinashe simply responded with, “lololl happy thanksgiving girl, wishing you peace and happiness, stream ‘song for you.'”
Between the gorgeous visuals and charming demeanor, it’s easy to see why nearly five million people online have also decided to equally stan.
