“I’ve been raised and taught by some of the strongest, most loving women in the world. My mother’s birth name was Aphrose, and I chose my new name to honour her and the many powerful women in my life who give me strength and purpose,”We’ve been listening to Aphrose’s new single ‘If We Ever Want To Change’ on repeat ever since we first caught news of its release. It’s layered, sexy, and lives up to the description of a “creamy and nostalgic” track, oozing a dreamlike quality that will have you melting deeply into its soulful, mellow sounds.

“‘If We Ever Want To Change’ is a single that offers up old school flavours with a fresh new take,” says Joanna Mohammed, who goes by the name Aphrose. “Thick bass and drum sounds pair effortlessly with layered vocals in a song that although is light and carefree upon the first listen, it urges you to look deeper within and ask yourself: can we grow, change and evolve if things always stay the same?” 

Raised in Scarborough, Aphrose’s musical tastes were shaped by the various genres present in her Trinidadian household. Her influences ranged from soul and gospel to soca, calypso, reggae, Bollywood, and even country music. The artist took on the name Aphrose out of respect for her mother. “I’ve been raised and taught by some of the strongest, most loving women in the world. My mother’s birth name was Aphrose, and I chose my new name to honour her and the many powerful women in my life who give me strength and purpose,” she says.

In 2019, we interviewed Aphrose about her debut album Element, which put her in the spotlight as an artist to watch. Beyond her own music, Aphrose has supported numerous Canadian artists, including Daniel Caesar, Jessie Reyez, and JP Saxe. 

We love her voice and the body buzz felt when we listen to her music… so we connected with Aphrose to get to know the human behind the work we adore. 

What was the first music you owned? 

A Shania Twain cassette tape.

Please share three things in your bedroom that you love. 

My Korg SV1 keyboard and mini studio setup, my bed linens & my husband, i guess..

What have you recently read or watched that you can’t stop thinking about? 

The series Blindspotting.

What childhood toy do you still own?

My Cabbage Patch doll collection.

Do you recall the first song you slow danced to? Or a best guess? 

“Truly Madly Deeply” by Savage Garden.

What posters hung on the wall of your teenage bedroom? 

I never really hung posters on my bedroom wall as a teen. I know, boring!!

What does breakfast normally look like? 

Coffee first and foremost and then a few hours later a breakfast sandwich and some fruit.

What is a talent you’ve always had, aside from singing? 

Doing makeup. I was hired a couple of times by friends to do their makeup for events.

Tell us about a subject that you want to explore more deeply. 

Astrology.

What’s a favourite film from your youth? 

Jurassic Park and Lion King, a close second.

Please share a place you think about often and in one sentence explain why.

Santorini, Greece. I had the privilege of going to Greece in 2019 and the island of Santorini blew my mind with how unbelievably beautiful it was.

What does comfort food look like to you? 

Curry chicken roti or any Trinidadian food.

What do you listen to when you want to energize? 

Daft Punk or ‘Lose Yourself’ by Eminem while miming the lyrics into the mirror #momsspaghetti.

What’s a perfect Saturday look like?

 I’m a new mom so a perfect any day would be being able to sleep in and watch Netflix all day.

What does your cozy look like?

Folding laundry while watching some trashy reality TV.

What was the last in-person concert you attended? 

Brittany Howard at Danforth Music Hall.

If you could get on a plane tomorrow and go anywhere, where would you go? 

Kauai, Hawaii.

What are you looking forward to wearing this fall? 

My cozy oversized sweaters and anything mustard yellow.

What philosophy is currently guiding your path? 

There is so much joy on the other side of fear. Go after whatever it is your heart truly desires, even if it scares you or doesn’t make sense at the time.  

Who inspires you on social media? 

There are so many amazing accounts I follow that help me feel very encouraged, such as @alex_elle, @growwithjo, @yung_pueblo. There are so many more to add to that list! 

What nonprofit would you like to give a shoutout to? 

The Encampment Support Network (ESN) is an incredible group of folks doing amazing work advocating for the rights of those experiencing homelessness and are living in encampments across Toronto.