Brief
Tinashe says she never gave up after feeling overlooked in the music industry
The singer posted a long message saying she kept creating music despite feeling like the butt of the joke.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Tinashe posted a lengthy statement to X and Instagram on September 30, 2026, saying she never gave up on herself after years of feeling misunderstood and overlooked in the music industry.
She noted that her eighth studio album, Popstar, released earlier in the year, has received critical acclaim and fan support, which she described as "unbelievably touching" and "healing".
In the statement, Tinashe recalled hearing comments such as “She’s still making music? Why hasn’t she quit by now?” and said she kept focusing on her passion rather than seeking validation from awards or mainstream success.
She also referenced a recent interview on the Call Her Daddy podcast on September 23, where she explained that the album blends dance, hip‑hop, pop and R&B styles under the umbrella of “pop star”.
Key facts
- Tinashe posted a lengthy statement to X and Instagram on September 30, 2026. (billboard.com)
- She released her eighth studio album, Popstar, earlier in 2026. (billboard.com)
- In the statement she said she felt misunderstood and was "the butt of the joke" for years. (billboard.com)
- She described the album’s reception as "unbelievably touching" and "healing". (billboard.com)
- She discussed the album’s genre‑blending on the Call Her Daddy podcast on September 23, 2026. (billboard.com)
Sources
- [1] billboard.com — originally reported as “Tinashe Recalls Being ‘The Butt of the Joke’ in Lengthy Message: ‘I Never Gave Up on Myself’”
