When it comes to can’t-live-without Canadian rockers — let alone a woman — you’d be hard pressed to find a list that doesn’t include Bif Naked.
Released 25 years ago this year, I Bificus gained huge attention in Canada and included several successful singles such as “Moment of Weakness” and “Spaceman,” and showcased her edgy and energetic style, blending punk influences with catchy melodies. And to celebrate, she’s released an expanded edition of the album plus her first new album in 15 years, Champion.
Bif Naked is also going before the cameras in a new documentary on her life and career from the co-director of “The Corporation,” for “Bif Naked: One of a Kind,” which will air on Super Channel as part of its original selections in early 2024.
Bif Naked embodies the phrase “lived to tell the tale” and makes for a fascinating interview: orphaned, empowered, and inspired are just some of the reasons… Read below to see why Bif Naked transcended adversity to become one of the world’s most unique, creative and adored icons.
And of course, she is one of the nicest, kindest people you’ll ever meet, and the author of the best-selling memoir about life, love, loss and triumph, I, Bificus. Bif Naked was born in secret to a teenager living in India, the product of a Canadian girl and a British boy. She was rejected by both families, hidden away in a mental hospital and adopted by missionaries and then moved to North America. She began what she recalls with ironic humour as a “charmed life.” Targeted by girl gangs and facing other abusive situations, she escaped this early life by joining a punk rock band and leaving on tour, where she married the drummer and hit a downward spiral that found her on the floor of a Vancouver drug den.
Through it all, her creative personality and unstoppable humour were her weapons of self-defence. Bif showcased her life’s journey in tattoo ink across her body and, with her unique ability to transform her true-life stories into song lyrics, she found her voice as a solo artist, started her own record company and at twenty-three years of age became an international recording artist. Throughout her remarkable career, armed with her singular talent and instantly identifiable look, Bif would captivate the imagination of audiences and media alike, releasing nine albums and twenty-one videos. She embarked on seemingly endless international tours, several feature films and multiple television roles, only to be struck down with breast cancer at the age of 37. Bif would discover her passion for advocacy, as a triumphant survivor and someone who helps others first. This is Bif Naked’s story so far.
“Sharing CHAMPION serves as a reminder that we can all emerge as champions and rise to our own personal greatness no matter our circumstances and overcome any obstacle, defying all odds. You are all Champions.
We have previously released three songs from this album (Jim, Broke into Your Car, and Rollerdome) and the album in its entirety is an incredibly special body of work for me.” – Bif Naked
