After kicking off the year with Antisocial, Polaris Music Prize-winning Toronto artist, Haviah Mighty, shows no signs of stopping. Today, Haviah shares Obeah – a song she produced alongside her brother, Mighty Prynce. Centred around Haviah’s Caribbean heritage, Obeah focuses on trust, spirituality, her close connection to family and a belief that the energies around you dictate what you allow in your life in order to prosper. Directed by Jesse Dart of Die Fire Films, with Production Company, Cultiv8, the video for Obeah features cameo appearances by Haviah’s father (who is sampled on the tune) and friends.
“I’ve navigated life off the strength of my parents’ teachings, and one of those [notable] teachings is to be mindful of the company you keep and of those you call your friends. Being of Caribbean descent, I’ve heard many stories throughout my life of ‘Obeah man’ and ‘Obeah woman’ from family and friends, ‘Obeah’ being an occult power and celebrated secret religion which disturbs the natural flow of events by way of spells, spirituality and hidden practices,” Haviah expands on the song’s inspiration.
“Though difficult to define, it is a religion of resistance, a belief that you can manipulate yours or other peoples’ destinies – often used in the context of those people that are close to you but aspire to cause you harm by thought or action. This song, using this Jamaican reference, speaks directly to the idea that the energy around you can bring you down, and that sometimes it’s those that are closest to you that you need to be aware of. This theme is one many can relate toas they grow within their chosen realms.”
Obeah follows Antisocial, produced by Haviah and Devontée, and features Denver, CO-based rapper, Old Man Saxon, who Haviah was set to tour with last year. Focused on reflections around self-confidence and deep introspection, the song arrives in a timely manner as society continues to evaluate life from a more independent perspective. Listen to Antisocial here, and watch the visualizer by BlackPowerBarbie here.
Haviah closed out 2020 with Atlantic, a track examining the ugly truths of money, the roots of unequal labour, and its impact on marginalized communities worldwide, and Occasion, a song produced by Haviah, Mighty Prynce, Sauce Junky, with guitar arrangements by Ben Foran, and initially developed during an Instagram Live session in March just as the pandemic set in.
Haviah became the first Hip-Hop artist, as well as the first Black woman, to win the Polaris Music Prize for her 2019 album, 13th Floor. The project highlights Haviah’s relentless work ethic and vast sonic influences; ranging from classic Rap/Hip-Hop elements to Caribbean rhythms, frenetic electro and diverse instrumentation, while tackling marginalization and racism head-on as Haviah proclaims self-love as a Black woman.
While international touring remains at a standstill as Haviah eagerly awaits to get back on the stage to perform, she is staying creative in the studio and actively advocating for change in the community.
About Haviah Mighty
Haviah Mighty didn’t need to change her birth name when she decided to dedicate her career to music. Mighty could not better describe Haviah’s craft of provocative challenges and uncompromising truths.
Based out of Toronto, Haviah has spent a lifetime developing her skills as a songwriter, vocalist, producer, and performer culminating in a style of profound introspection and incisive socio-political critique. Her dynamic combinations of rap, song, and instrumental, transition seamlessly from hip-hop to soul to afrobeats with a meticulous flow and cadence that transcends any traditional expectation of genre. 2019 saw Haviah earn break-out success with her album, 13th Floor, garnering overwhelming praise from publications such as Pitchfork and Billboard, and making her the first hip-hop artist and the first Black woman to win the Polaris Music Prize, celebrating the “best Canadian album of the year”.
In 2020, the recognition spread internationally. Haviah made an acclaimed appearance on Sway in the Morning, impressing with a performance of immaculate flow and fierce lyricism, “showing you something you NEED to be looking at.” Likewise, in the UK, BBC Radio 1’s Jack Saunders recognized Haviah as “one of the most exciting new rappers out there.”
2021 might have seen Haviah’s momentum stalled by a certain global pandemic…But for Haviah, attrition is met with defiance, and hardship with inspiration. She describes the enforced solitude of lockdown as not an obstacle, but “a window of immense opportunity” to develop the art that has always been a realization of deep contemplation and self-examination. Haviah pushes forward continuing to carve out spaces that boldly defy gendered expectations for women in hip-hop.
Stay locked in for new projects to challenge, move, and entertain, coming your way soon. Unyielding and irresistible – Haviah Mighty will be heard.
