Tinashe’s a big girl now.
Well known as one of R&B’s talents with a string of critically acclaimed discs.
But, aged ten in 2003, she was an unknown Hollywood wannabe with a mum and dad determined to get her to where she wanted to go.
Then out of the blue – like a Hollywood dream come true – Tinashe got the chance to perform for Bob Dylan and his band.
Basically it was old rock’n’rollers and a little girl on rollers.
And her incredible charm and flawless voice earned her a role in Bob’s bizarre film Masked and Anonymous.
Some say Masked and Anonymous is a comedy, some say it’s a dystopian drama, some say art-house pomposity written by, and starring, Bob.
But what ever they say, not many would disagree that Tinashe performing The Times They Are a-Changin’ for a rapt Bob and his band made the film worth watching.
Tinashe is listed in the credits as Mrs. Brown’s Daughter.
And she was in BIG company for one so young – Masked and Anonymous starred not only Bob as Jack Frost but Jeff Bridges, Penélope Cruz and John Goodman.
Loosely, Masked and Anonymous is about a nation trashed by civil war looking forward to a giant charity concert, organized by Uncle Sweetheart (John Goodman), who plans to rip everybody off. Headlining is Jack Fate (Bob Dylan), a legendary musician who had been languishing in prison for some reason. Journalist Tom Friend (Jeff Bridges) tries to unmask the truth about the concert.
All very shapeless and uncomfortable, much like most of Bob’s film career. But there are some heart-stopping concert performances.
Not least Tinashe. In reality her father teaches acting at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona and is a first generation immigrant of the Shona people of Zimbabwe – her mother, teaches physical therapy at California State University, Northridge.
When Masked and Anonymous was premiered at Sundance 2003, there was a standing ovation when Bob arrived.
Apparently, people continued to stand during the film, in order to leave!
I personally really like Masked and Anonymous…
Tinashe recently released a new album, 333.
Made at her home studio 333 apparently serves as a spiritual awakening for Tinashe. She says: “Every time I create a new body of work, I reflect on what I’m going through and by being home, I was able to focus on my spiritual journey and the things I was going through.”
#tinashe #bobdylan #maskedandanonymous #timeschangin
