MAYSA

MAYSA is the kind of singer who takes hold of a song and enraptures her audience in the palm of her hands, as she delivers lyrics, phrases, melodies, and harmonies in a way that only she can. Blessed with an instantly identifiable honey-toned mezzo-soprano and an undeniably brilliant and magnetic stage presence, MAYSA’s alluring vocals, candor, honesty,  humor, and purity as an artist make her a rarity in this business. Having collaborated with everyone from Stevie Wonder to Incognito, Angela Bofill, Will Downing, and Jonathan Butler, MAYSA can hang with the best. It is no wonder she was the recipient of many awards for her work, including Soul Train’s first Centric Award in 2009, and her first Grammy nomination for  Best Traditional R&B Performance for her remake of Nancy Wilson’s  “QUIET FIRE” in 2014, and 7 Female Vocalist of the Year Readers' Choice Awards from SoulTracks.com.

The Baltimore native, who grew up in a loving household with amazing parents, is proudly the mom of one son, Jazz, who was born prematurely at 25 weeks while she was on tour with Incognito in 1999. Jazz has recently graduated from college with honors and is an esteemed member of Phi Theta Kappa. He is a photographer, videographer, and Music Producer. 

MAYSA started her career singing background vocals as a part of Stevie Wonder’s WONDERLOVE shortly after her graduation from Morgan State University in 1991. At that time, Mr. Wonder was working on the soundtrack for Spike Lee’s movie, Jungle Fever. Months later, she auditioned over the phone to win her place as LEAD Vocalist for British Jazz Funk band, INCOGNITO. After four years of touring with them, she was offered her first solo record deal, and in 1995 released her 1st album entitled MAYSA. 

Seven years ago (March 2016), MAYSA launched what is known today as her MAYSA’s Kitchen Karaoke Sundays (#MKKS) on Facebook Live, where she performs, cooks, interviews, and performs with invited artists to entertain thousands of people each week as a thank you for her long and successful career. 

In 2018, MAYSA became the owner/founder of her own record label, BLUE VELVET SOUL RECORDS. The company has released 8 singles: YOU ARE NOT ALONE, IT’S GONNA BE ALRIGHT, LOVIN’ YOU IS EASY, SOFT WORDS, MAKE SURE YOU’RE SURE, JUST STAY, WHATEVER, and I DON’T MIND.

To celebrate her first record printing, MAYSA designed a commemorative blue velvet box set with those 4 singles as an EP called THE FAB FIRST FOUR, in January of 2021.

MAYSA released a Double Single, MAKE SURE YOU’RE SURE & JUST STAY, on Valentines Day, 2022,  and a third single, ”WHATEVER”, was be released on October 11, 2022, and her latest single, I DON’T MIND ( written by her longtime mentor and friend Jean Paul “BLUEY” Maunickof Incognito,  will launch her highly anticipated 14th solo album entitled, “MUSIC FOR YOUR SOUL,” slated for release in March 2023.

Throughout her career, she has collaborated with notable artists like Stevie Wonder and Incognito, solidifying her position among music's elite.

Aside from her professional achievements, Maysa's personal life is equally inspiring. A dedicated mother, she raised her son, Jazz, who has grown into a talented photographer, videographer, and music producer, despite being born 3 months prematurely while she was on a world tour with Incognito in 1999. 

Maysa’s musical journey began after graduating from Morgan State University, when she joined Stevie Wonder's WONDERLOVE and later became the lead vocalist for INCOGNITO. Her solo career took off in 1995 with her debut album, leading to a vibrant career filled with music, accolades, and a special connection with her supporters, further enriched by her innovative "Maysa’s Kitchen Karaoke Sundays."

In 2018, Maysa took a significant step in her music career by founding her own record label, BLUE VELVET SOUL RECORDS. This move not only marked her evolution as an artist but also as a savvy entrepreneur in the competitive music industry. Her ambition to have more creative control and autonomy over her music came to fruition with the establishment of her label, enabling her to produce music that deeply resonates with both her artistic vision and her audience.

The launch of BLUE VELVET SOUL RECORDS led to the release of her highly anticipated 14th solo album, "MUSIC FOR YOUR SOUL," on March 31, 2023. This album was met with widespread acclaim, demonstrating Maysa's unparalleled ability to connect with listeners through her soulful melodies and heartfelt lyrics. Its debut was nothing short of spectacular, securing the #1 spot on the U.K. Soul

Charts. The success of "MUSIC FOR YOUR SOUL" not only underscored Maysa's talent and hard work but also reflected her perseverance and dedication to her craft.

"MUSIC FOR YOUR SOUL" is a testament to Maysa's maturity as an artist and her finesse in blending traditional soul with contemporary sounds to create timeless music. Through this album, she continues to explore themes of love, resilience, and the human spirit, enveloped in her rich, emotive vocals that have become her signature. The rave reviews from around the world affirm Maysa's status as a soulful powerhouse whose music transcends geographical and cultural boundaries, touching the hearts of fans across the globe. 

The establishment of BLUE VELVET SOUL RECORDS and the release of "MUSIC FOR YOUR SOUL" and its sister dance music album, “ REMIX FOR YOUR SOUL” denote a pivotal moment in Maysa's career, showcasing her evolution from a celebrated vocalist to a formidable force in the music industry—a truly independent artist who not only creates but also controls her musical journey, inspiring many along the way.

Also available at www.maysa.com