The trio, hailing from New York City, were discovered when they sang at a Sweet Sixteen party in an East Harlem church in 1984. Record producer Joey Gardner, who was at the party, was impressed with the group, and got the group signed to Tommy Boy Records. The group originally consisted of Tony, Kayel, and Ralph "Aby" Cruz, but eventually Aby was replaced by Raymond "Pito" "Angel" Vasquez (although not widely known, India was also one of the original members). Their first single was "One Way Love" which was a major hit among the Latin club community in New York, and followed up with many other hits, such as "Scars Of Love", "Tears May Fall", and "Come Get My Love."
The year, 1991 proved to be a very critical year for TKA, and for many Freestyle performers as well. TKA released their most important singles in 1991, "Louder Than Love", "Give Your Love To Me", and their House hit "Crash (Let's Have Some Fun)." Despite being very popular and very influential to the Freestyle genre, Tommy Boy requested that the band switch to pop instead of Freestyle. Rather than sacrifice their artistic integrity, the group released one more single, "Maria", which ironically proved to be their biggest hit, and then split up.
1988 album-cover for Scars of Love.Following the split, the members of TKA went on to pursue independent interests. Kayel recorded under the name K7 and had a hit Hip Hop record Swing Batta Swing which contained the lead hit single, "Come Baby Come." Tony started a successful production company in New York, and Angel joined the R&B group Goodfellas.
TKA reunited in 2001 and recorded the album Forever. The actual drop date for that album was November 6, 2001. Of the 12 songs contained on that album, only one was actually released as a single which was the smooth, House music song, "Feel The Music". The albums' promotion failures led to its poor success. Angel left the group afterwards and was replaced by popular Freestyle singer George Lamond. After the making of the anticipated album labeled 'TKA Featuring George Lamond' was completed, the group (along with George Lamond) decided to break up and go their own ways. The album was never released and only exists as demos that were given out to a few record companies. The name TKA still continues to live among its frontman K7, who performs the well known TKA hits in clubs throughout New York City. He also DJ's on New York's popular dance station 103.5 KTU. Though they've parted ways, they are still very popular in New York City, Chicago and Miami, and has had a sudden resurgence of popularity thanks to a recent Freestyle revival.
TKA were very notable for being heavily influential in the Freestyle genre, having presented an opportunity for many other Latino performers to create dance music. Among many Freestyle performers, TKA remain one of the most popular and influential, and its music are constant mainstays on Freestyle playlists.
Don't be Afraid
TKA Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
We've been in love for such a long time
Have O done something terrible and wrong
That make you wish you weren't mine
Or is it that you found someone else
Or have you found a love that's true
I'd rather make you happy. I'll be myself
Chorus:
Don't be afraid to leave me all alone
It doesn't matter any longer
Don't be afraid to leave me alone
For one day my heart will be stronger
I don't believe it now it seems so clear
That you'd deceive me with another
Please don't expect me to shed my tears
For I don't need a sometime lover
I hope you're happy that's my only wish
Cause for you I will always care
I'll forget you but it's your love that I'll miss
But who say love is always fair
(Chorus)
Bridge:
Forget all about me for I know that you're confused
I'll get by without you doesn't matter - win or lose
I had my chance to hold you now you tuned and walk away
Too bad our romance didn't get to live just one more day
(Chorus)
Girl just go on
It doesn't matter any longer
Just walk away
For one day I will be stronger
Girl just go on
It doesn't matter any longer
The lyrics to TKA's song "Don't Be Afraid" depict the struggle of a person trying to understand why their significant other wants to leave them. The vocals plead for answers and reassurance while suspecting the worst, wondering if they've done something wrong or if their partner has found someone else. Despite the fear of being alone, the singer encourages their partner to leave if that's what they want, claiming that they will eventually find strength in their heartbreak.
The song showcases the vulnerability that arises when a relationship is on the brink of ending. The singer is torn between holding on to the love they have and feeling the need to let go for the sake of their partner's happiness. The chorus is a plea for the partner to leave if that's what they need, but also an expression of hope that the singer will eventually heal.
In the bridge, the singer reflects on their confusion and heartache, recognizing that the relationship is over but also accepting that they will move on. The final verse is a bittersweet goodbye, a message of strength and resilience to someone who has already left.
Overall, the lyrics to "Don't Be Afraid" illustrate the complexity of love and heartbreak, and the fear and pain that come with the uncertainty of a relationship's future.
Line by Line Meaning
Why do you feel we just can't go on
I'm curious if you think our relationship is faltering
We've been in love for such a long time
Our love has persisted for an extended period
Have I done something terrible and wrong
Did I commit a grave error that makes you regret being with me
That make you wish you weren't mine
That causes you to desire not to be with me
Or is it that you found someone else
Did you find a new love interest
Or have you found a love that's true
Did you discover a love that is authentic
I'd rather make you happy. I'll be myself
I prefer to make you content and remain true to myself
But just remember I love you
Regardless of the circumstances, I still care for you
Don't be afraid to leave me all alone
Don't fear leaving me by myself
It doesn't matter any longer
It no longer has any importance
For one day my heart will be stronger
Eventually, I will become emotionally resilient
I don't believe it now it seems so clear
Although I doubt it, it's apparent that you deceived me
That you'd deceive me with another
That you betrayed me with someone else
Please don't expect me to shed my tears
Don't anticipate me to cry for you
For I don't need a sometime lover
I don't want a partner who is occasionally emotionally invested
I hope you're happy that's my only wish
My only desire for you is to be fulfilled
Cause for you I will always care
I will always feel affectionate towards you
I'll forget you but it's your love that I'll miss
I'll try to move on, but I'll yearn for the way you loved me
But who say love is always fair
But there's no guarantee that love is just
Forget all about me for I know that you're confused
I understand that you're perplexed, so don't dwell on me
I'll get by without you doesn't matter - win or lose
I'll survive without you, regardless of the outcome
I had my chance to hold you now you tuned and walk away
I had an opportunity to embrace you, but now you're walking away
Too bad our romance didn't get to live just one more day
It's unfortunate that our love couldn't last a little longer
Girl just go on
Continue with your life
It doesn't matter any longer
Our relationship has lost its relevance
Just walk away
Simply depart
For one day I will be stronger
I'll become more robust as time passes
Contributed by Hunter D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@johngonzalez4298
Forever Latin Freestyle ❤🎶🎧🎙
@cheryltomasauckas4538
MY ALL TIME FAVORITE!!! 💚😍💚😍💚😍💚
@alexsanchez4553
Tka awesome music they don't music like they used anymore freestyle 80 s will live forever
@brianclark6814
All we listened to boy miss those days
@nelsonvargas3667
Brian CLARK olgo
@johngonzalez4298
Facts
@chefcorreabetancourt2461
TKA is the best!
@pahriz
TKA, they were doing big things in NYC...SmH...where did these times go?
@JoseRivera-oy8ft
This music is a class by it self because nothing can compare I always love freestyle till the I die
@karenpesek7369
Tka is the best and awesome group.i love you guys.