Editor’s Note:
This piece was originally written for and published in the Jamaica Observer’s All Woman magazine. See the original story here. (Photos: Karl McLarty)
Sophia Dias has endured domestic abuse and destitution to re-emerge at the top of her game as an eyewear designer, philanthropist, recording artist, and more. Though not Jamaican, she is certainly a ‘tallawah’ individual, but who was she before all that, and how did she overcome her trials to become ‘Bulletproof’?
She was born into a world of cultural diversity, with a Portuguese father and an East Indian mother who fell in love in the vibrant, historic region of Goa in India. This fusion of cultures set the stage for a life that would be anything but ordinary. As a little girl, she was a globetrotter, moving from one country to another with her parents. Her childhood was a kaleidoscope of experiences, rich with the flavours, sounds, and traditions of the many places she called home.
From India to China, Europe to Jamaica, Dias’s upbringing was a tapestry woven with the threads of different cultures. She learned early on to embrace the beauty of diversity, a lesson that would later influence her creative endeavours. As she moved through various countries, she cultivated her creative skills, honing her talents in fashion, cooking, and music. Her parents, recognising her potential, encouraged her to explore these passions, and it wasn’t long before she began carving her own path in the world.
Her journey led her to meet a man who she thought then would become her life partner. Together, they built a business empire, expanding their reach across the United States and beyond. It seemed like a dream come true, but as their success grew, so did the darkness in their relationship. The amazing man who was once her partner became her oppressor, and she found herself trapped in an abusive marriage. The emotional and physical toll was devastating, and she was left with nothing—her wealth, her home, and her sense of self stripped away.
But Sophia Dias is not a woman who gives up. In the face of unimaginable adversity, she found the strength to rise again. Drawing from her inner resilience, she tapped into her love for music, a passion that had been a constant source of comfort throughout her life. Music became her refuge, her way of healing, and her means of reclaiming her power.
Her experiences of domestic abuse, loss, and betrayal inspired her to create the ‘Bulletproof’ trilogy—a collection of music, literature, and film that tells her story of survival. The trilogy is a testament to her journey, a raw and unfiltered expression of the pain she endured and the strength she discovered within herself. Through her art, Sophia has transformed her traumas into something beautiful that resonates with others who have faced similar struggles.
Now, she’s thriving. She recently returned to Jamaica, a place she considers her second home, to record her second album at the legendary Tuff Gong Studios in Kingston. Surrounded by some of the finest musicians in the industry, Dias is bringing her vision to life, blending the sounds of reggae, avant-garde, and Afro fusion into a powerful and unique musical experience. Her work is not just about entertainment; it’s about empowerment, about showing others that they, too, can overcome the darkest of times and emerge stronger than ever. We sat down with her for a rapid-fire session about her journey and the way forward…
AW: What is the title of your album and what stage of the recording process are you at?
SD: It’s called BULLET PROOF 2, LEGACY. We began recording in January, so I’ll be finalising the loose ends.
AW: Your début album, Bulletproof , was about overcoming your trials. How has your music evolved since then, are there any similarities to your previous releases?
SD: Not really. I wrote my first studio album during a rather challenging time in my life, however, it’s only one part of my story. I’m in a different place now. BULLET PROOF 2, LEGACY is a seven-track album, each track has a musically different dimension, a different mantra to it. There is a splash of Fela Kuti vibe, several love ballads, one song highlights the plight of children who are exploited in the diamond trade, and another, Mr Santos, is dedicated to my (now deceased) dog, whom I raised since he was a pup. He played a pivotal role in my life… He, in fact, saved my life.
For me, music is opinion-based and subjective, and as a radical optimist, my music is always evolving. BULLET PROOF 2, LEGACY reflects that.
AW: You’ve lived all over the world, from Goa, India to Chicago, USA. How have these diverse cultural experiences influenced your artistry?
SD: Living in Europe and Asia has been an extraordinary experience. The people, culture and cuisine are fascinating. Respecting people and their diverse religious aspects always puts you in a position to value and express that diversity.
AW: Beyond your music, you’re also a strong advocate for domestic violence survivors. How will you use your platform and your time in Jamaica to support and raise awareness for this cause? Or, alternately, is there another cause that you intend to pursue here?
SD: I’ve been involved in volunteering at shelters from a very young age when the ideology of giving back was significantly instilled in me. I’ve since volunteered and have spoken at the Women’s Centre in Kingston on preventing and I intend to continue my work there, sharing with young girls on the power of education and preventing child pregnancies.
AW: Your advocacy work is extensive, from supporting women and destitute individuals to raising funds for domestic violence survivors. What motivates your activism?
SD: “Paying it forward” is my motto, and it’s in my DNA to be motivated, I was born motivated. I mostly work with small, start-up businesses or women-run businesses across the globe and have travelled to 42 countries where I got involved with volunteering at shelters at a very young age. I’ll continue to do this work, because I know what it feels like to be there and to have support.
AW: With your career spanning multiple disciplines—fashion design, culinary arts, literature, and music, how do you manage to excel in so many different fields?
SD: To be honest, sometimes it gets lonely. However, “discipline, hard work and determination” is my motto.
AW: Looking ahead, what are your aspirations for your creative career and ongoing projects, especially those connected to Jamaica and the Caribbean?
SD: I’ll be working with Shane Brown in 2026, producing my third studio album, BULLET PROOF III, BORN TO WIN. We will be working out of the prestigious Tuff Gong Studios, which is my recipe for success. And I’ll always incorporate Jamaica and the Caribbean in my music and movie projects. The people of Jamaica especially have been kind, warm and have welcomed me here with love.
Dias’s story is, unfortunately, way too common for many women, quite a number of whom don’t get to experience the resolution she now has, making hers even more remarkable. It is one of courage, resilience, and the unyielding power of the human spirit. As a woman who has faced the depths of despair and risen from the ashes to create a life filled with purpose and passion, Sophia Dias can indeed say she is Bulletproof. Through her music, her writing, and her art, she continues to inspire others, proving that no matter what life throws at you, it is possible to turn your pain into something extraordinary.
— Tameka A Coley
WK Admin