With the proficient ability to blend pop, soul, and alternative music into highly acclaimed songs, Tafari Anthony is definitely holding his own. As his name means “He who inspires awe,” Tafari more than delivers, pulling in and captivating fans all around the world. His in-demand vocals have enabled him to tour Europe, Canada, South Korea, and the United States, pleasing a wide variety of music lovers and supporters. Tafari’s previous EP, The Way You See Me, even received critical approval from PAPER Magazine and Billboard and became a nominee for Adult Contemporary Album of the Year at the 2022 JUNO awards. This is certainly a very exciting time for Tafari, and it is made all the more special with his dual release for the 604 Sessions.
With I’m Sure You Meant Well, Tafari gives us “Replay” and “Where’s My Apology?” which showcase his diverse style. On the soulful “Replay,” we hear about the beginning of a relationship’s possible end. Tafari sings, “I replay it over and over again / The words you say make me feel like it isn’t the end / I probably just made it up in my head,” trying to figure out what is really going on. The tone changes on “Where’s My Apology?” however, which finds Tafari in a more poised position. Over a rhythmic and playful pop production, he asks, “Where’s my apology?” to someone who needs to own up to their actions.
As far as the inspiration behind the singles, Tafari explains,
“At the time of being selected for the Inaugural 604 Sessions, I had just released a new project a few months earlier and had also been a few months into dating outside of my long-term partner. It was an exciting and busy time during the pandemic when, all of a sudden, things seemingly came to a halt. I was left with many questions, very few answers, and a very familiar feeling. ‘Replay’ now feels like this very vivid snapshot in time where I was longing for that communication and no matter how I tried, I was not getting it. It forced me to go inward, and I started creating my own narrative as to what was going through his mind.
Day one of the 604 Sessions, moments before jumping on Zoom with Michaela Slinger and Kevvy to probably write something completely different, I received a very random, very accusatory text message from a neighbor. A classic case of mistaken identity, she thought she had run into my partner and that he had been ‘incredibly rude and disrespectful’ towards her. I proceeded to tell her he was not even home let alone in the building. I logged into the session, and I was so annoyed, I had to tell Kevvy & Michaela what happened. They asked me, ‘Did she apologize?’ which she did not. This song became an ode to just owning up to your actions and taking accountability. People make mistakes, but often forget the power of simply acknowledging that, especially when it affects someone else.”
You can listen to I’m Sure You Meant Well on platforms like Apple Music and Spotify.
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