Recording Artiste Iesha Nova Fires Back at Critics With ‘Firm’

American-based dancehall artiste responds to backlash over ‘Makarena,’ turning criticism into creativity with her latest release, "Firm"

 Dancehall recording artiste Iesha Nova

American-based dancehall artiste Iesha Nova has responded to critics with her latest single, “Firm,” produced by 1Kings and DJ RoH.

Following the release of “Makarena,” her reimagining of Los Del Rio’s 1996 global chart-topping hit, Nova faced a wave of disparaging commentary surrounding her interpretation of the classic. The debate quickly spilled onto social media, sparking widespread discussion and criticism, which prompted Iesha Nova to head back to the recording studio and emerge with Firm.

“Firm is about standing firm despite the obstacles that are in the way. I am not letting negativity get to me,” shared Iesha Nova.

Released on January 2, Iesha Nova’s take on “Macarena,” titled “Makarena,” was produced by DJ RoH Entertainments / 0365 Records. The dancehall artiste also explained what inspired her to put her own spin on the internationally acclaimed hit.

“It’s a popular classic, and I figured that dancehall needs a difference. So, I decided to make it a pop dancehall version,” she said, while explaining how she became familiar with the song. “Living in America, this song was played at every occasion. From birthdays to weddings, it just took over. The remix with Bayside Boys was the tune back then.”

Since the social media backlash erupted over Makarena, the official video, released on January 2, has to date racked up more than 463,000 views on YouTube.

“I love that in music, when you’re gifted with a craft, you can take anything and make it unique in your own way. Of course, some of my younger Jamaican audience will take some getting used to, but in the same token, it’s getting airplay on its own and listeners are enjoying the music video,” Iesha Nova disclosed.