Staggies’ greatest hit
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MAKING MUSIC: Nashiefah Staggie, 29, works in studio
The daughter of former gang leader Rashied Staggie says her late father would have been proud to see her realising her dream of becoming a singer.
Nashiefah Staggie, 29, from Salt River, released her debut single, called Best of Me, on 28 January, her son’s third birthday.
She says the song was inspired by her little boy, Ryo.
The track was recorded by La Soul Studio and now she plans to make a music video as well.
“One night, I was crying in bed and I was looking at my son, and then I took out my phone and started writing the song,” she says.
“I was depressed after my father died and then Covid hit us; it was all just too much.
“Looking at my son sleeping, and watching him grow gave me a reason to keep going, to keep trying and to never give up on life.
“My son was the apple of my dad's eye and his death took a huge toll on us.
“I wrote this song to my son Ryo, it's from my heart. I'm just a mom trying to give my son the best life possible. I just want him to be happy.”
The chorus of the ballad goes: “You say I'm pretty, you see my beauty; God must have sent you, you see right through me; To you I'm perfect, now I see my worth; You are the best of me, I love you so endlessly, baby.”
Nashiefah is the eldest daughter of Rashied and Rashieda Staggie, who had four children.
The former Hard Living boss was gunned down in a hit in front of his Salt River home on 13 December 2019 at the age of 63.
Nashiefah tells the Daily Voice: “My daddy was my biggest supporter. He would always tell me that I have so much potential in me.
“He knew I wanted to sing. I know he's happy that it's finally happening, he used to nag me about using my potential.”She admits it isn’t easy being the daughter of a notorious gang boss: “Over the years people have not always been accepting of me.
“I’m not really sure how people will react though so I'll just say this: I am and will always be proud to be my father's daughter because to me that's all he was, the best father a girl could have.
“He gave us so much love. He was a ‘softy’ to us and not this hardcore man, and as he aged he became that way. People do change.
“I expect people to judge me based on my music and not my background. I'm gonna do what I've always done: just ignore the haters.”
Nashiefah released Best of Me on Soundcloud and says she hopes it will be picked up by local radio stations.
She plans to make a music video and wants other moms to be part of the experience.
undefined“If you would like to be on the official music video, you will be able to do so by sending me a short 15-30 second clip of you and your kids (young and old, all are welcome) capturing a special moment.”
The clips will be edited into the video and posted on all major platforms.
You can email your video to [email protected].