Meet Anaya Daffe’

Today we’d like to introduce you to Anaya Daffe’. 

Hi Anaya, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My mom was a single parent in the army so my early years between about 2yrs old to 9 years old I spent with my grandmother and also with my aunt. Music has been in my life since I can remember. Growing up in the church with my grandmother and my Auntie Jeanie, I immediately fell in love with the choir. I started doing solos in church before I was even in kindergarten. As far as other musical influences my mom played a huge part in that. When she would come home on leave, my cousins and I would live for car rides with my mom. We’d all cram into her Buick Regal and watch the show began. My mom always had some Patti Labelle Betty Wright or Stylistics playing. I honestly think she deserves credit for starting car karaoke lol. As I got older, I became more interested in RnB. By middle school, I was writing and performing my own songs. I knew I wanted to be a singer/songwriter …an artist! I wanted to be able to provide that same feeling of comfort, joy, love, and all the things that our favorite songs make us feel. Being an only child it’s easy to feel isolated and alone even around family. I never felt alone with music. Fast forward to now, I’ve been working on my craft since childhood. Writing, singing, performing, and believe it or not, preparing myself for press and interviews. I always believed that I would make it to a point where people would want to know more about me and who I am. I wanted to be ready. For me, it’s always been about sharing myself with the world on down to the ugly details because everyone needs to feel like they have someone or something to relate to. I’ve had the opportunity to perform in several states up and down the East coast. I’ve had the chance to learn more about the business side of the entertainment industry through trial and error. Being an independent artist isn’t easy at all. There’s been a lot of sacrifices often with little to no reward… but milestones such as being interviewed by Voyage, I feel that the hard work is finally starting to pay off. For example, I’m not a Tampa native. However, I’ve been networking, getting out of my comfort zone, and stepping outside of the local music scene in Raleigh-Durham North Carolina. One of my most recent events was the Loud on 7th Music Festival in Ybor City, Tampa. I performed for 3 days and it was absolutely amazing and one of the most rewarding events I’ve had the chance to be a part of. The way that the people of Tampa showed love and support to my music was almost surreal. I mean ya’ll really know how to make a girl feel loved! So, Tampa can have me back anytime y’all want me here. To be recognized outside of North Carolina is such a humbling but also motivating experience. 

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
There’s so many struggles that I’ve had to deal with as an independent artist. The biggest struggle is probably trying to keep the movement going with no investors or major budget. Studio time, mixing/mastering, distribution, photoshoots, wardrobe, marketing, travel are just a few things that add up quickly but are essential. So sometimes progress can seem like an extremely slow process because I’ve found myself working a job just to put money into fueling my music career. Secondly, I would say that being a female trying to make my way through the music industry comes with its own challenges. It’s definitely a male-dominated industry and I’ve had my share of run-ins with a few creeps. Reputation is everything so standing firm in my principles may have cost me a few opportunities but I just felt like that wasn’t the opportunity for me if that’s the case. My chance to win will feel good to my soul too. 

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a singer/songwriter and also entrepreneur. Being an independent artist, I’ve been my own manager, booking agent, and stylist as well. Which led me to start my online boutique “BougieBum.com”. I’m always getting compliments on my outfits and it’s usually because of one little accessory piece that sparked conversation. So, I wanted to create a platform where others could also tap into unique and stylish accessories and eyewear to turn a basic look into something bold but within budget. As an artist, I feel that what separates me from others into today’s industry is that I’m just ME. No gimmicks. No alter ego. Just a woman that’s lived what feels like 3 lives in one so people from many different walks of live feel comfortable with me and relate. Overall, I think that I’m most proud of my ability to be in any atmosphere and find some type of common ground with people. And I feel that’s what will take my music and business to new levels. 

Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
I was very much a tomboy as far as loving to be outdoors with my grandparents in the garden. Or out hunting and fishing with my uncles and granddaddy in rural Georgia. My personality probably depended on who I was around. Even now I know it may be hard to believe but I have social anxiety. Even still I’ve always been very analytical and strong-willed. I’ve never liked not knowing something so I’ve always been inquisitive and had no problem looking things up for myself. My mom would also encourage it. Anytime I’d ask her some random question her response would be “look it up”. The library was one of my favorite places to go on a Saturday afternoon. My interest has always been multi-faceted but I knew that music was what I wanted to do. I’m a southern girl at heart and that will always be my foundation, I think. I was probably a little feisty too. 

Contact Info:

• Email: anayadaffemusic@gmail.com
• Website: www.BougieBum.com
• Instagram: @anayadaffemusic
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCKByh8gIqZ5cJ0XpdiqJoKA
• Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2jyYzDknAkWcAGA5ZJRSOX?si=d0LAiP0STtOtdox0Y4DgeA&dl_branch=1

Image Credits
Loco visuals
Bubba RollUp TV
Loud on 7th