Exclusive Interview with Singer Maysa Leak

By Gary A. Johnson – Publisher (Black Men In America.com)

Maysa Leak is more than a singer—she’s a sonic experience. With her signature honey-toned mezzo-soprano voice, magnetic stage presence, and heartfelt delivery, Maysa doesn’t just perform a song—she inhabits it. Her ability to channel emotion and authenticity into every lyric has made her a beloved figure in contemporary soul, jazz, and R&B for over three decades.

A native of Baltimore, Maysa is a GRAMMY-nominated, Soul Train Award-winning artist who has collaborated with legends including Stevie Wonder, Angela Bofill, Will Downing, Jonathan Butler, and Phil Perry. She began her journey as the lead vocalist for the pioneering Acid Jazz band Incognito before stepping into her own as a powerful solo force.

Maysa is also a master interpreter. In an era when covering songs is common, Maysa sets herself apart by owning them. With over 50 cover recordings to her name, she doesn’t just sing other people’s songs—she transforms them. For my money, no one covers a song better than Maysa.

In 2022, Maysa released the 19-track double album Music for Your Soul, a deeply personal and musically rich project. She followed up in 2024 with Remix Music for Your Soul, offering fresh takes on tracks that already resonated with fans around the world.

Known for her honesty, humor, and artistic integrity, Maysa continues to earn accolades while staying grounded in the music that moves her—and her audience.

Catch her live at the Jacksonville Jazz Festival on Friday, May 23, 2025, at Tailgaters Parking in Jacksonville, FL. That show promises to be a full evening of musical magic you won’t want to miss.

Watch my exclusive interview with Maysa on The Calculations Talk Show now on YouTube.

This is the first music video from “Music For Your Soul.”

This one of my favorite “Maysa Covers,” sung live. “Can We Talk” written by Daryl Simmons and Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds. The original version was recorded by Tevin Campbell.