Iesha Nova hits back at critics with ‘Firm’

American international dancehall artiste Iesha Nova has hit back at critics with the song ' Firm' which was produced by 1Kings and DJ RoH.

After releasing the song Makarena, a remake of the 1996 global chart-topping hit by Los Del Rio, critics made disparaging comments about her interpretation. A furor erupted on social media, 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," said Iesha Nova. Released on January 2, Makarena was produced by DJ RoH Entertainments0365 Records. Iesha Nova shared why she decided to put her spin on the international 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," she said.

Since the social media backlash erupted over Makarena, the official video, which was also released on January 2, has racked up more than 450,000 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 [it] 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 said.