Skip to content
  • Essence GU
  • Beautycon
  • NaturallyCurly
  • Afropunk
  • Essence Studios
  • Soko Mrkt
  • Ese Funds
  • Refinery29
  • WeLoveUs.shop
  • 2026 ESSENCE Festival Of Culture
  • Celebrity
  • Fashion
  • Beauty
  • Lifestyle
  • Entrepreneurship
  • News
  • Shopping
  • Video
  • Events
  • Subscribe
Home • Celebrity

Beyonce has Yoncé, Nicki Minaj has Roman, and Lianne La Havas Has Tonya!

The ESSENCE Fest singer opens up about her outspoken alter ego.
Beyonce has Yoncé, Nicki Minaj has Roman, and Lianne La Havas Has Tonya!
Texture Play
By Myeisha Essex · Updated October 27, 2020
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready…

Lianne La Havas is known for belting out sultry hits like “Is Your Love Big Enough?”, but when she’s not on stage melting hearts, the 23-year-old songstress’ alter ego likes to come out and play. 

“I try to be myself all the time,” the London native tells ESSENCE.com. “But, my friend says when I drink white wine she calls me Tonya.”

Tonya is very outspoken and loves to wear the dark maroon lipstick, she says, “but it’s a lot more faded. She’s also in heels but doesn’t mind taking them off to dance!”

Fans can look forward to Lianne La Havas’ sophomore album Blood when it drops on July 31st.

TOPICS:  Beyonce Knowles Nicki Minaj