Tinashe addressed her journey through the music industry Wednesday, reflecting on years of feeling marginalized and dismissed following the critical and commercial success of her eighth studio album, “Popstar.”
In a candid message shared via social media, the singer described the project’s reception as a personal victory after a long period of being “misunderstood” and the “butt of the joke” within the entertainment landscape.
The album, which debuted on Sept. 25, has garnered widespread acclaim from industry outlets, including a rare 9.0 rating from Pitchfork, which labeled the 16-track project the best pop album of the year. Industry projections indicate “Popstar” is on track to debut within the top 10 of the Billboard 200, potentially marking the first top-10 entry of Tinashe’s career. Reflecting on her resilience, Tinashe shared an iPhone note with fans explaining that she had to learn to ignore public skepticism.
She said people frequently questioned why she continued to release music rather than quitting the industry. “This moment is a testament to never giving up on yourself,” she wrote, adding that she eventually reached a place where she stopped craving mainstream validation because the pursuit of it had become “too painful.” Tinashe’s career has seen a dramatic shift since she departed from RCA Records several years ago.
After releasing three albums under the major label, she transitioned into a successful independent run. This era of her career was bolstered by the 2024 viral hit “Nasty” from her “Quantum Baby” project, which helped reintroduce her to a broader audience and paved the way for her current success.
The singer told her followers that the recent praise for “Popstar” feels like it is “healing a huge part” of her in real time. She credited her persistence to a deep-seated passion for art and music that outweighed the desire for awards or accolades. She said that feeling truly “seen and heard” by both fans and critics after decades in the business is “unbelievably touching.”
To celebrate the new era, Tinashe is set to embark on the Three Nights With a Popstar Tour. The limited engagement will feature performances in major hubs including Chicago, Brooklyn and Los Angeles.
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