Grammy-nominated vocalist Maysa brought a powerful and emotional message of love to an energized audience at the August Wilson African American Cultural Center.
Maysa wowed the sold-out-crowd that gathered for the opening night of the 2024 Pittsburgh International Festival.
Throughout her career, the Baltimore-based singer has collaborated with notable artists like Stevie Wonder. She gained even more fame as the lead singer of the British acid jazz band Incognito.
Maysa spoke with WBGO's Doug Doyle following her set at AWAACC that was filled with personal stories about her life.
"I want to share my experiences so that people know they are not alone. We are all here to help each other. We're supposed to love each other."
Maysa's son, Jazz, is a very successful videographer and producer and is very close to his super-talented mom. Jazz was born three months early in 1999 when Maysa was on tour with Incognito. Maysa told the audience that her son was only a little more than two pounds at birth and doctors gave her a dim prognosis. Maysa didn't accept what they had to say. She was right. Her baby boy was just fine. Now her son inspires her music even more.
"He's just a joy to me. I want to soar in my life to make his life better. He's so proud of me and I'm so proud of him. He's absolutely everything I dream of."
In 2018, Maysa took a significant step in her music career by founding her own record label, BLUE VELVET SOUL RECORDS.
"It feels wonderful that I call all the shots on my double album Music for Your Soul and the sister album Remix for Your Soul. I was in charge of everything. The artwork you see. I did it myself using AI and did all the pictures myself."
Maysa's performance at AWAACC on Friday night had the crowd dancing and more importantly relating to her amazing voice and message of love.
