The Skinny on... Tahliah Simumba

What’s your favourite place to visit?
Brighton. So many people I tell this to express an almost innate disgust at my answer but I was born there and always find so much comfort in going back. There’s also something about being close to the sea that just feels right.

Favourite food?
God it has to be red grapes. Or kiwis. Strawberries? I mean just fruit in general. Any time I’d stay at my best friend’s house, he’d always buy a little packet of red grapes for me coming. Now that’s real love.

Favourite colour?
It’s changed over the years. Before it used to be mint green. Now it’s pink – the colour of love.

Who was your hero growing up?
I grew up up on Tumblr in the 2010s so obviously it was Lana Del Rey.

Whose work inspires you now?
Reading has been bringing me a lot of inspiration at the moment too. For my solo show, I was reading a lot of trans studies, titles like Selfie Aesthetics by Nicole Erin Morse or Once Out of Nature by Joy Ladin. It has made me want to go back to school again.

What three people would you invite to your dinner party and what are you cooking?
Whitney Houston, Cookie Mueller, and my boyfriend because he will obviously be the one cooking.

What’s your all-time favourite album?
I have definitely answered this before so I’m going to give you my favourite album of 2026 thus far and it’s Blue Angel Sparkling Silver 2 by Quiet Light.

What’s the worst film you’ve ever seen?
Starrbooty (2007) written by RuPaul. It’s also the best film I’ve ever seen.

What book would you take to a desert island?
To Rest Our Minds and Bodies by Harriet Armstrong.

Who’s the worst?
It’s hard to pinpoint because it feels like the world is on fire. Bigots. Or anyone who stands still on the left hand side of the tube escalators – did I mention I live in London now?

When did you last cry?
Last night seeing Joy Guidry perform at Cafe OTO. It was probably the first time in my life that I have ever been emotionally captivated by a performance in a completely sentimental and melancholic way. Transformational.

What are you most scared of?
Unfulfilled dreams.

When did you last vomit?
I don’t think anyone would win if I were to divulge this.

Tell us a secret?
I have leopard print car mats.

Which celebrity could you take in a fight?
I’m a lover, not a fighter.

If you could be reincarnated as an animal, which animal would it be?
Hmmm a black panther cat for sure. Like that’s one real chic bitch!

What’s your favourite plant?
Pothos! They respond to care so well and when you look after them, they really let you know it. I’m a bit of an avid plant propagator so now I have so many in my flat and in my studio and it’s becoming a bit of a problem.

You have an exhibition in Glasgow International – how does your approach to creating visual art differ from making music?
I’d say my approach differs more depending on the project rather than the medium itself. However, there are a few almost physical differences. Painting feels more instinctual, music feels more methodical. Also, painting is a uniquely isolated creative experience, whereas music-making is usually collaborative and requires a more deliberate sociality, I suppose. Truthfully, I find I do work my best when I am alone.

Has a piece of art ever changed your life?
Of course – there’s too many to tell you just one though.

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Tahliah Simumba: A star that burns forever is a star that burns in me, Strange Field, 105 French St, Glasgow, 7-21 Jun, part of Glasgow International 2026