Fancy Face Music: The Jamaican artist making waves in Atlanta

Mitsena Hayles better known as “Fancy Face Music”, the dynamic Afrobeats/dancehall pop artist based in the United States, hails from the vibrant island of Jamaica. Known for her festive, dance-worthy beats and heartfelt romantic melodies, she crafts music that resonates with self-discovery and empowerment.

Fancy Face’s journey reflects a story of resilience; despite facing countless challenges, she has never let go of her dreams. Her unwavering love for music has kept her moving forward, and she now believes it’s never too late to share her talent with the world.

As an independent artist, “Fancy Face Music” has chosen to chart her own path. While she has received multiple label offers, she’s yet to find a team that aligns with her vision for her music career. She acknowledges the challenges of navigating the industry solo but remains steadfast in her mission, waiting for the right support to bring her full potential to light.

In addition to her music, Fancy Face Music is a dedicated mother of three, balancing her career, family, and business. She’s also the founder of Divine Recovery Wellness, a recovery spa clinic in Atlanta, Georgia.

Reflecting on her roots, Fancy Face Music shares that growing up in Jamaica immersed her in a world of music and joy, sparking a passion that followed her to the United States. Despite limited support after moving to the U.S. at a young age, she’s never stopped pushing forward, driven by the rhythms and dreams that started in her homeland.

She recently had a chat with our reporter on her family and life, business and making the most of her music career.

Kindly introduce yourself to our readers.

My real name is Mitsena Hayles, but most people know me by my alias “Fancy Face Music”.

What motivates you, why did you decide to pursue music as a career alongside being an injury recovery specialist?

I am a licensed injury recovery specialist and a musician. I am passionate about music and I also love being an injury recovery specialist. So I would love to keep owning my practice and be a full time artist as well. Why? because I think that what you do for all your life until the end should not feel like work, it should feel like pleasure and that’s how doing music makes me feel. When I am in the studio I feel at peace and happy, and when I help people in my day job I feel satisfaction when I see the smile on their face.

From the way you talk and sound no one will immediately know you are Jamaican and not of African descent. Can you tell us a little about your background?
 
Well, the truth is I truly believe that we all are Africans because that’s where it all started. I am a true African and was born on the Island of Jamaica. I migrated to the US as a teenager. And currently reside in Atlanta, Georgia.

You have achieved so much in your business career, yet so little is known of your musical career. Why is that? How come you are barely known even in your home country Jamaica?

Being an independent artist means that sometimes you don’t have a big budget for promotions or marketing and as such, all my achievements in music have been through personal effort and self achievement. I did not get the opportunity to have a good team or label to back me up. Less than a year ago I had the opportunity to travel to different African countries and I realized that people genuinely have love for music and I would love to get my story known throughout Africa, starting with Nigeria. I love Africa and its people and that is why I am  thrilled to be having this interview so that more people will get to know about me outside the U.S.

Where do you see yourself in the next 3 years?

I see myself in the next three years traveling and doing music worldwide having a bigger fan base with either a label or an amazing team because teamwork makes the dream work. I see myself performing sold out shows at iconic venues around the world.

How do you handle the pressure that comes with running a business as well as pursuing your music career simultaneously?

I don’t feel the pressure of running a business and pursuing music because my business is developed from my degree and it pays my way and bills till the music hustle kicks in. Either way I love my job and I wouldn’t change anything about it. Music is my hobby, my go to when I am down or stressed, it’s my outlet and stress reliever.

What are your plans for the rest of the year? Are you planning on releasing new music, any time soon?
 
I am currently working on an EP and of course I love to travel so that is a part of the plan for the rest of the year. I wanna travel more to see and explore new places, meet new people and make new connections.

• How do you decide what to write or sing about? What’s your objective when you are making music?*

My aim is still always to bring something spontaneous and original that will only have my signature on it. I want my songs to touch something in anyone who hears or listens to it. I want to make people feel good and smile whenever my songs come on.

Some artists love to freestyle when they record, while others prefer to write first before they record. Which do you prefer?

I definitely can do both, but because I love originality, I love to put some thought into writing my songs so they can resonate with anybody that listens to it. So I prefer to take my time to listen to a beat and write on it.

Which artist or producer are you currently working with or worked with in the past?

I am currently working with an artist called Julius Ogunti. I work with a producer called JB, He has mixed and mastered my tracks in the past. I also worked with Jamaican producer Marlon just easy.

Looking at your journey so far, is there anything you would want to change about your life given the chance?

All my achievements are currently from my business and career. Every experience I have had in life has either been a lesson or a stepping stone to another level, so there’s really nothing I would like to change about my life. But if there’s anything it would be to start making money and earning income from my music. I want to be as successful in my music career as I have been in my business career.

Are you signed to any label?

No, I am an independent artist doing it on my own for now, but I am open to collaborating with any label that aligns with my vision and goals as an artist.
 
Do you have any advice for upcoming artists out there?

The advice I will give to any upcoming artist is to never give up on their dreams because life is  never a smooth road with all the hard work there will be a prize at the end so never give up just get to the end and collect the prize.

Which two African artists would you love to collaborate with given the opportunity?

If I ever have the opportunity I would love to collaborate with Ayra Star and/or Burna Boy 

What puts you off about people?

I do not like negative people and people who bad mouth others behind their back. I get put off too easily by anyone who lacks loyalty. 

Who are your favorite Nigerian artists?

Burna Boy and Ayra Star

It’s been a pleasurable experience chatting with you and getting an insight into your life and career as an independent artist.