Producer Profile: TYGAPAW

Tygapaw is a DJ and producer who is originally from Jamaica, but currently lives in New York. One of Tygapaw’s project is a monthly party she started called Fake Accent. Through Fake Accent, Tygapaw is able to create a space for her music. In an interview with PAPER she explains what went into making Fake Accent happen, “There were so many times where I reached out to a male DJ friend, asking them if they had any open slots at their parties that I could play. They always gave me the run around, the “soon come” response, and then I would find out that they gave the spot to one of their male friends. That blatant patriarchal structure is why I started my own party called Fake Accent in 2014….It’s wild to look back and realize how difficult it was just to start Fake Accent. In the beginning I visited several bars inquiring about doing my party there, but I would get the default response to email them, and when I did, I’d get no response. Finally one venue responded with a yes, and that’s all it takes, just one yes, and that was the beginning of Fake Accent.” 

In her interview, we’re able to see the ways in which Tygapaw’s identity as a queer immigrant has intersected with her path as an artist. She says, “My road as an immigrant in the US has been a very long, winding, obstacle-riddled one. I lost a big chunk of my ability to be creatively productive in my twenties due to immigration. Most of the time people are unaware that as a queer black immigrant, I’ve had to start from scratch, from zero, with little to no support. I’ve had to work extremely hard to get myself out of the immigration black hole to get to this place where I’ve built something out of nothing. I wish people were more aware of how restrictive life can be here as an immigrant. It’s especially difficult as a queer artist of color, where all you desire is the freedom to speak freely and openly and express yourself through your work without limitations.” Emerging unique voices like Tygapaw are a brilliant reminder of how different one’s path in life can be from another.

When asked what her vision is for her New York community, she responded “For disenfranchised and marginalized communities to have the opportunity to thrive. For folks to show more love, support, and consideration for each other. For all black creatives to have a seat at the table, or at least gain access to resources to build our own table and sit there. I just want everyone I love to thrive, and I hope that I can continue to provide platforms that help to elevate my community.”

Check out Nylon’s video of Tygapaw in the studio here.