Tifa’s ex-boyfriend speaks out

What once looked like a fairytale dancehall romance has now curdled into a bitter public fallout, with deejay Dyum pushing back hard against what he calls a damaging “jelly-back man” narrative allegedly fuelled by his former fiancée, fellow artiste Tifa.

The same relationship that had fans on the edge of their seats in 2024 after a highly publicised surprise engagement — complete with roses, romantic music and a tearful ‘Yes’ moment — has now reportedly ended in controversy, accusations, and bruised reputations.

Back then, Tifa could not hide her excitement as she shared the moment, she believed would have led her to the altar, declaring she was ready to become “Mrs West”.

Kimani ‘Dyum’ West had staged a cinematic proposal that quickly went viral. But the love story has since taken a sharp turn.

It was the fourth time that Tifa, the Say Yes singer, was getting engaged. It is unclear why the relationship crumbled. However, in its aftermath, Dyum appears to feel compelled to clear the air about his role in the breakup, and how he operated during the relationship. He insisted, however, that he would not say a wry word about his former flame.

“First of all, I have nothing against any ex of mine because, even when a relationship ends, I always respect the fact that happy moments were shared,” he said, insisting that he would not speak negatively about someone with whom he had a relationship.

However, the up-and-coming entertainer said it is important that he clear the air, insisting that some things that are being said or insinuated about him are not true.

“I am a real man, a strong man, no jelly-back man, suh me mek we clear that up,” he affirmed.

In the aftermath of the split, Dyum argues that their relationship was framed in a way that painted him as emotionally weak and dependent, a label he strongly denies. Dyum maintains that he never relied on Tifa financially or professionally and insists he built his own career independently.

“I think, for her, it was all about having a young yute on her arm to show off to the media in every way,” he said. “I also think she thought I was a yute who was frightened for limelight and someone she could rule,” he added.

The Ocho Rios-based artiste asserted that tensions spilled beyond private disagreements, alleging that he became the subject of subtle digs in music, interviews, and on-stage performances, following the breakup.

Despite the drama, Dyum is attempting to redirect attention back to his music career, insisting that he remains focused on his craft and growing his brand. He said that his singles, Yuh Nice and Nostalgia, have been gaining traction on radio and social media, and teases new releases including a track and video titled Portland Gyal alongside a forthcoming album.