As Columbus native Tracy Ba sits down to write the next line of his song “Truth Monologue,” he thinks back to when he was a young boy living with food insecurity. Memories bubble to the surface as he jots down the following line: “I’ve got a story to tell, and this is my truth.”
A banker by day and a musician by night, Tracy writes, sings, and performs R&B songs under his stage name True Confidence. His lyrics often draw on his experiences growing up poor and food insecure.
Everything about Tracy’s art—from his stage name to the themes of his music—is about honoring his experiences, counting his blessings, and giving a voice to others. He knows what it’s like to struggle with money and with food, and he doesn’t want others to feel alone in that fight.
“I believe that True Confidence comes from strong faith. The name is a reminder to myself that I have no limits. I can go as far as I believe I can go,” said Tracy. “My songs are a safe way to share my experiences in a way that others can relate to. With my music, I can advocate for those who have stories but don’t know how to put them into words.”
Tracy grew up in the North Linden neighborhood of Columbus in a devout Christian household. At one point, he lived with nine other family members, including his mom, three siblings, and grandmother. The home was full of people and music with his mom’s favorite songs echoing throughout the home. By age three, Tracy was singing. By age five, he was writing songs.
“Music just became part of my personality,” said Tracy.
Tracy’s mother received disability benefits and qualified for SNAP, but it often wasn’t enough to feed everyone. The family relied on several social services to make it through. He remembers walking to MOFC partner St. Stephen’s Community House with his aunt and cousins to pick up food.
During this time, Tracy was bullied in his neighborhood and at school. He struggled to communicate his feelings. Singing in his church choir and writing music filled that gap for him. He realized he could sing about things he couldn’t talk about. Songs like “I Know,” “Truth,” and “Nu Yu Nu Me” let Tracy express how poverty affected him.
In 2021, Tracy received his degree in music performance. He was the first person in his family to graduate from college.
Tracy no longer uses food assistance, but he’s never forgotten where he came from.
He’s performed for several charity shows and hopes to do more. He jumped at the opportunity to volunteer for Mid-Ohio Food Collective’s Double Your Donation Day with his workplace. Recently, his friend’s mom had a stroke, and their family car was totaled. When his friend asked for a ride to MOFC partner Northside Food Pantry, Tracy didn’t hesitate to say yes.
But where Tracy’s giving spirit truly comes out is on stage. The warm energy Tracy feels in front of a crowd is amplified when he performs for charity shows. Giving back with his music is personal. It’s a powerful way to support the community that supported him in his youth.
“I don’t have to worry about how much money I can give anymore,” said Tracy. “Instead, I give my voice. That’s how I advocate for others.”
