TiKA pays tribute to Prince with single and video for I Would Die 4U

January 14, 2021 | Dalton Higgins |

Toronto, ON (January 14th, 2021) – TiKA, who at the beginning of the album making process, was without home or hope, has become a burgeoning icon in Canada with her presence on TV, as a spokesmodel for Sephora, and as a go-to music composer. Her debut album Anywhere But Here will be released to the world on February 26th. The third single from the record and the accompanying compelling video, is for the Prince classic “I Would Die 4U” . The video was directed by NASKADEMINI, who has been at the helm for all of the visuals from Anywhere But Here. Once a champion and promoter of local talent such as Daniel Caesar, Jessie Reyez, Clairmont the Second and more, the time has arrived for TiKA to take centre stage. TiKA, in her own words, on the song, and the video:

“A reason I fell in love with Prince was his lyricism, which instantly captivates his audience. I wanted to pay homage to his legacy by doing a rendition of one of my favorite records by him, “I Would Die 4 U.” This was the first record I recorded with Casey MQ when I started building my album. Not many people know this, but the original recording of IWD4U is Prince singing from the perspective of Christ. To embody the word of God while purposefully turning a record into a Pop hit is no easy task, and the song always brings me to tears when I hear it. Prince was a genius. Songs like this remind me of the importance and value of my relationship with The Divine, which remains unwavering and steadfast even in times of great sorrow. From another lens, IWD4U reminds me of the importance of duality on multiple fronts. In spirituality and sensuality. In kindness and closeness. In forgiveness and reconciliation. In honesty and compassion. It’s all about balance. One can exist without the other, but it’s so much more delicious when these concepts exist harmoniously side-by-side. The song reminds me to be good to others, and to remain kind and loving even when the world is dark and cruel. Most importantly, IWD4U reminds me to see God in myself and in others. I wanted to turn it into a ballad to show the beauty of the exquisite lyricism and the brilliance of the dove we once knew as Prince. May he rest in eternal peace and may his music live on forever. Enjoy. With love, TiKA For this video, I was inspired by Prince’s live stage shows which were masterfully and intentionally assembled to relay a specific feeling and message. We chose a regal all-purple, textured space, with shots of me performing this powerful record. I wear all white to signify purity and being born again. Still shots of me on the guitar with exquisite make-up are all to pay homage to the brilliant stylist and stage aesthetic that Prince would bring on stage each night to honour The Divine.”