Artist Close-Up: Maya B Turns Us Into “Selenas”

I had the privilege to meet and see Maya B perform at a party, of which the walls were adorned with her own painted self-portraits. (Frida Kahlo would have been proud!) In each picture, she revealed the many distorted versions and dreamed desires she had for herself. Such images brought a whole new meaning to her rather “punkish” take on R&B.

In essence, Maya B feels like Nirvana doing a TLC song or Ella Mai covering Angel Olsen. The result is a sound that is incredibly different for a person that is equally unique. I have been to a lot of artist’s parties, and I can, genuinely, say that Maya B is THE FIRST songstress I have ever seen to ask if the people working the event needed food or drink. I WAS SHOOKETH! I have met many kind artists, but that level of thoughtfulness, especially when you are having “your moment,” was moving. No one thinks kindness counts so they don’t make a move for it, but songs such as “Dollar To A Diamond” and “Selenas” promote a level of dignified hustle; asking listening ladies to be benevolent queens while they build their unstoppable empires.  

Call it a sign of the times, but people are trying to balance what it is to be rich in pockets and wealthy in purpose. We want finer things and goodness from others, of which Maya B edges and traps her R&B to represent the discord of this search. As a performer she does the same, nodding her head and rocking her shoulders as if her thoughts of grandeur were rattling songs from her. She is very much about connecting with her audience, and you could tell from the gleam in her eyes that not even the biggest nerve would stop her from giving a show or being a queen. For More Information On Maya B Click Here.