The Gospel Singer from Houston
A note for Tiffani: Tiffani, thank you for agreeing to be apart of this special segment! I have listened to your music and even though I am not the biggest gospel music listener, I can tell you that you make me want to listen way more often! Your voice is beautiful and I can hear the passion in it when you sing. I know for a fact that your heart is in it and that is what matters. You are about what you sing about and that is what it all boils down to for me at the end of the day. The authenticity and the realness in an artist when they step foot in the booth to record When they sit down to write a new song. To be able to be real to yourself, your journey, and your music is the best thing we can ask for in these times today. You are a beautiful spirit and I just know you're about to be at the top of the charts right along with your producer, Basstoven, who also happens to be my uncle. Hearing you guys together is magic. I couldn't picture a better Gospel duo to be the next big thing. Now, let's get into this interview!
Where are you from and where did you grow up?
I was born in Houston and I grew up in Missouri City, Tx along with Louisiana roots from my mothers side of the family.
What was your first real experience with art?
Music. Growing up I listened to many gospel Artists such as Yolanda Adams and The Clark Sisters.
What was your favorite childhood memory that involved music?
In high school I placed 6th chair first soprano in the Texas All State Choir. With the help and push from my former choir director, Russ Clark.
As a child, what inspired you to be creative?
Singing allowed me to comfort myself when I felt alone because I didn’t look like everybody else.
When did you decide that you were going to give your life to God and live righteously as best you can?
I believe I was about 5 or 6 years old when I confessed my belief in Jesus.
What was the moment when you realized that gospel music was your path?
I tried singing other genres but I didn’t like the vibe and situations that surrounded those other types of music. Although now, I’ve learned that even in gospel music, there are not so good people. People will be people no matter what genre of music it is.
What inspired you to start making music? You have a wonderful voice and believe me we are blessed to hear it!
Thank you! I was inspired to make music now after meeting Basstohven and his encouragement to do music professionally. I at times didn’t think I was good enough to record because I allowed a lot of people to get in my head and downplay my gift. I began to believe in myself and my ability again.
Think back to your first performance ever. The nervousness that you experienced. The excitement. Tell us what that was like for you.
I can’t remember my first performance but I remember the one when the late Shirley Joiner gave me the song “Now Behold the Lamb” by Kirk Franklin. I practiced for hours. I think i replayed the song 25 times lol.
Has your confidence bloomed since your first performance until now?
Yes it has because I always keep in mind that everyone won’t like every voice but there are many who will like mine and there are specific people assigned to hearing my voice.
Your song Bury the Past is a hit! I love it because I can relate and I am sure a lot of people can relate to this song. What was your motivation behind this song?
My motivation behind it was enduring years of verbal and mental abuse because of my size. Many people are bound by others because they look different. I wrote bury the past so that those who endured any of those things know that you can leave the past behind and still rise to be great.
Are you currently working on any albums or singles?
I’m working on a new song titled “In My Soul”. It explains how all things in our soul are well and we can celebrate God and move forward.
Any shows, interviews, we should be looking forward to?
Yes! Annie Johnson’s “She’s Got Papers on Me” December 18th at 5pm. I play the role of Letty, a middle-aged woman who suffers early stage of Alzheimer’s.
You're going to be in a play in December! How exciting!!! What were your thoughts when you knew this was going to be a thing for you?
My thoughts were and still are, “Tiff this is your one shot, to act your best, look your best, and sound your best.” This will be on Roku and other streaming TV platforms.
What are you most thankful for in life right now?
I’m thankful for the blessing of having a son, Isaiah. I’m grateful that I didn’t lose my mind, gift, and skills. I’m grateful for meeting Basstohven Garrett because he showed me that I can do this and his belief in me has pushed me further than I thought I could go.
What will be the moment in your life when you say that you have finally made it?
When I can live comfortably off of my music and not have to punch into a clock.
Any final words or any people you'd like to thank or recognize?
Don’t allow your past and/or current situation to dictate your future. Pray, seek God in all things and most of all, trust yourself and your gifts. Thank you God, Mom (Pastor Alma Askins Rowe, Bonus Dad (Oran Rowe), sister Ronnetta Moseley, Basstohven Garrett (Basstohven Productions) , and my son Isaiah for his love and light in my life.
I was born in Houston and I grew up in Missouri City, Tx along with Louisiana roots from my mothers side of the family.
What was your first real experience with art?
Music. Growing up I listened to many gospel Artists such as Yolanda Adams and The Clark Sisters.
What was your favorite childhood memory that involved music?
In high school I placed 6th chair first soprano in the Texas All State Choir. With the help and push from my former choir director, Russ Clark.
As a child, what inspired you to be creative?
Singing allowed me to comfort myself when I felt alone because I didn’t look like everybody else.
When did you decide that you were going to give your life to God and live righteously as best you can?
I believe I was about 5 or 6 years old when I confessed my belief in Jesus.
What was the moment when you realized that gospel music was your path?
I tried singing other genres but I didn’t like the vibe and situations that surrounded those other types of music. Although now, I’ve learned that even in gospel music, there are not so good people. People will be people no matter what genre of music it is.
What inspired you to start making music? You have a wonderful voice and believe me we are blessed to hear it!
Thank you! I was inspired to make music now after meeting Basstohven and his encouragement to do music professionally. I at times didn’t think I was good enough to record because I allowed a lot of people to get in my head and downplay my gift. I began to believe in myself and my ability again.
Think back to your first performance ever. The nervousness that you experienced. The excitement. Tell us what that was like for you.
I can’t remember my first performance but I remember the one when the late Shirley Joiner gave me the song “Now Behold the Lamb” by Kirk Franklin. I practiced for hours. I think i replayed the song 25 times lol.
Has your confidence bloomed since your first performance until now?
Yes it has because I always keep in mind that everyone won’t like every voice but there are many who will like mine and there are specific people assigned to hearing my voice.
Your song Bury the Past is a hit! I love it because I can relate and I am sure a lot of people can relate to this song. What was your motivation behind this song?
My motivation behind it was enduring years of verbal and mental abuse because of my size. Many people are bound by others because they look different. I wrote bury the past so that those who endured any of those things know that you can leave the past behind and still rise to be great.
Are you currently working on any albums or singles?
I’m working on a new song titled “In My Soul”. It explains how all things in our soul are well and we can celebrate God and move forward.
Any shows, interviews, we should be looking forward to?
Yes! Annie Johnson’s “She’s Got Papers on Me” December 18th at 5pm. I play the role of Letty, a middle-aged woman who suffers early stage of Alzheimer’s.
You're going to be in a play in December! How exciting!!! What were your thoughts when you knew this was going to be a thing for you?
My thoughts were and still are, “Tiff this is your one shot, to act your best, look your best, and sound your best.” This will be on Roku and other streaming TV platforms.
What are you most thankful for in life right now?
I’m thankful for the blessing of having a son, Isaiah. I’m grateful that I didn’t lose my mind, gift, and skills. I’m grateful for meeting Basstohven Garrett because he showed me that I can do this and his belief in me has pushed me further than I thought I could go.
What will be the moment in your life when you say that you have finally made it?
When I can live comfortably off of my music and not have to punch into a clock.
Any final words or any people you'd like to thank or recognize?
Don’t allow your past and/or current situation to dictate your future. Pray, seek God in all things and most of all, trust yourself and your gifts. Thank you God, Mom (Pastor Alma Askins Rowe, Bonus Dad (Oran Rowe), sister Ronnetta Moseley, Basstohven Garrett (Basstohven Productions) , and my son Isaiah for his love and light in my life.