A Woman’s Work – in Progress

Deva Mahal is a force of nature. You can hear it in her records – 2018’s debut Run Deep and a string of winning singles, including Silver Scroll finalist Stand In, 2021’s Sister (featuring her sister Zoe Moon) and Goddamn from 2019. The new single, Run Me Through, leads the charge for the highly anticipated EP Future Classic: Vol 1 – Classic, due out in early 2023.

From soulful vocals to post punk dreams: New Zealand musicians to celebrate this month

Hawaiian-born New Zealander Deva Mahal is certainly one to watch. Discovering her path as a black woman and navigating her power in music is front and centre with her new record. Sonically it’s a seamless combination of soulful vocals, reverent hand clapping, twinkling piano and clean congas. The result is her most immaculate release to date, aptly titled - FUTURE CLASSIC: VOL 1.

NZ Live: Deva Mahal

NZ Live: Deva Mahal

For NZ Live today we have Deva Mahal playing.

Deva was brought up in Hawaii but found her groove when she moved to New Zealand, which led to the release of her debut album 'Run Deep' in 2018.

She's performed alongside some of the biggest names in music on some of the world's biggest stages, including Bonnaroo, the Montreal Jazz Festival, and the North Sea Jazz Festival.

Now though she's back on our shores for the release of her new EP, 'Future Classic Volume One - Classic', which is the first of a planned two-part project.

2021 APRA Silver Scroll Award Top 20 List Announced

Stand In has been selected as a 2021 APRA Silver Scroll Top 20 Finalist. NZ APRA members are eligible to vote for their favorite songs. These votes will determine the finalists and winner in each category, plus each completed vote goes in the draw to win one of two $500 Rockshop vouchers (please note: each APRA member is only eligible to vote once). www.apraamcos.co.nz

RNZ Music Presents: Inside Splore

Deva Mahal Joins Biden Inauguration Welcome Event

Deva Mahal and The Resistance Revival Chorus  Join Official Live Stream Event Honoring Joe Biden’s Inauguration

The Event Will Unveil The Music Video For “Everybody Deserves To Be Free” From The Resistance Revival Chorus' Debut Album This Joy

In the lead up to President-Elect Joe Biden’s historic inauguration, the Resistance Revival Chorus, a collective of more than 70 women and non-binary singers, and Deva Mahal are set to join a welcome event hosted by the Presidential Inauguration Committee. The event, premiering Saturday, January 16, from 7:00-8:30 PM ET at bideninaugural.org and on PIC social media platforms, will unveil the music video for the group’s track “Everybody Deserves To Be Free,” that was written by and features lead vocals from Deva Mahal.

Stream the Event Live HERE

The Welcome Event, titled “Welcome To The Inauguration” is a five-day event celebrating and reflecting on the history of the United States and highlighting the incredible diversity of the nation. Along with the Resistance Revival Chorus, the event will include musical performances, celebrity appearances, and remarks from some of the most popular leaders from across the country. Confirmed participants include actor Nik Dodani; comedienne and actress Cristela Alonzo;  Representative and Interior Secretary-designate Deb Haaland, Representative Grace Meng, Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, and more.

Deva Mahal Featured on Resistance Revival Chorus Album, This Joy

The Resistance Revival Chorus released their debut album This Joy October 16th via Righteous Babe Records. The album includes an original song "Everybody Deserves to be Free" written by Deva Mahal and Stephanie Brown that was also co-produced and features Mahal. 

The album also features original compositions along with protest classics and was recorded in New York City with GRAMMY-nominated producer Tiffany Gouché. The album is 100% created by women, non-binary artists and features special guests Rhiannon Giddens, and Valerie June. Righteous Babe’s Ani DiFranco says of the Chorus: “The RRC is like an antidote to silence and submission. In this age of division and hopelessness, let us listen to their collective voice and get lifted. Let us remember who we really are.”

This Joy was recorded in New York City over the space of several months, with the chorus working around Covid-quarantine, and taking to the streets to protest for BLM.  "Working with the chorus last year was one of the most healing and rejuvenating experiences I’ve ever had in my life.It was simply love manifested," says Tiffany Gouche. "You can feel the joy and sincerity in their hearts through each and every record. I am truly blessed and humbled by this experience and look forward to anything that pertains to them.”


Mahal says “The Resistance Revival Chorus is an amazing example of female inclusion and conscious support through the art of presenting gospel songs. Their mission is to provide a strong platform for women in music and address the gross inequities that exist within the industry and culture at large.”

STREAM HERE.

NZ Musician: My Song: Deva Mahal – Stand In

It happens only rarely but Deva Mahal‘s out-of-the-blue single Stand In has swept NZ off its feet in the few days since its late August release. A quick search finds fans describing the tears in their eyes from her rare, soulful performance, and fellow artists buzzing with adoration for both song and singer. READ MORE.

VIDEO PREMIERE: Soul singer Deva Mahal with powerful new ballad ‘Stand In’

RNZ Music is proud to present the new song and video from Deva Mahal. ‘Stand In’ is heavily rooted in Deva’s upbringing between Hawaii and New Zealand, her Afro-Caribbean heritage and her background in American Folk Music. Read the full article HERE.

Deva Mahal Looks for Love on Netflix Original Series, Dating Around

Watch Deva Mahal see if she can find love on the newest season of Netflix’s Dating Around. After spending last year performing at Bonnaroo, Lockn', and Carnegie Hall, Deva relocated to New Orleans where she caught the eye of the casting director for the hit Netflix Series.  Each episode features a single who goes on five first dates that are filled with flirty banter, awkward exchanges and -- hopefully -- moments of true connection. Dating Around takes an honest and compelling look at the real world of wooing potential mates but will Deva find a good connection? Season 2 premieres June 12th - add it to your watchlist!

Dating can be awkward... but it's time to believe in love again. In this oh-so-real dating show, Dating Around: Season 2 follows 6 singles on their dating jo...


Deva joins The Roots Jam Presents Solo Sessions: Volume 4

In the spirit of the legendary Roots Jam Sessions, the band is opening up its platform to feature one song performances from music artists that are handpicke...

In the spirit of the legendary Roots Jam Sessions, the band opened up its platform to feature one song performances from music artists that are handpicked and curated by the band, artists that The Roots feel you should know. The foundation for the Roots Jam sessions are creativity and discovery and it is these same tenants that fueled the creation of Solo Sessions. Hosted by Black Thought, they featured Andy Allo, Deva & Melanie Charles.

AVAILABLE NOW: R&B/Soul Powerhouse Deva Mahal Releases New Single, “Goddamn” with R&B Artist & GRAMMY®-winning Producer Son Little

Exclusive Premiere of "Goddamn" on AFROPUNK

"With a roots vibe and infectious hook, [“Goddamn” is] a song designed

to hit all the sweet spots for human ears.” - AFROPUNK

Deva Mahal, an equally admirable songwriter and vocalist with prowess independent of any singular genre, has released a new single, “Goddamn,” featuring and written with authentic modern soul artist Son Little, on Motéma Music. The track, exclusively premiered by AFROPUNK and available on all platforms now, finds Deva fully embracing her femininity and sexuality as an empowered woman in a playful yet heated tête-à-tête with Son Little. A gritty mix of soul, blues and rock, the collaboration is a natural intersection Deva and Son Little’s musical currents.

“When I first heard Son Little's song ‘Lay Down,’ it hit me and I knew I wanted to create with him,” explains Deva. “It’s important to me to have an authentic connection and relationship with whoever I work with. From the first time we met, we started creating this tune. It didn’t feel like work. We vibe on a similar plane.”

“Goddamn” follows on the heels of her critically acclaimed 2018 release Run Deep on Motéma Music. The album, praised by Okayplayer as “thunderous modern soul,” and “the best of soul, blues and classic rock” by Exclaim!, started Deva’s ascent as an international rising star, as she performed on major TV broadcasts in Germany, France and the UK, including the prestigious Later... with Jools Holland, and getting highlighted as one of the Best New Artists at SXSW 2018 by Grammy.com. On the album, Deva passionately explored a wide variation of emotional depth ranging cautionary tales and empowering anthems.

“We both have strong connection to blues and roots music, but from a modern vantage point,” she says. “This track is a result of us sticking our foot up into the music. You can expect that whatever comes next will feel like me but never be the same – that’s all I can say for now. “

Deva is the daughter of blues icon Taj Mahal and Inshirah Mahal, a dancer, artist, and educator. Through their support and strong artistic presence in her upbringing, her passion has flourished to make her an unstoppable talent.

A second single, a powerful ballad also written and produced with Son Little, “Your Only One,” will be released on June 14. A tour is planned through the fall, including an intimate tour of the northeast in May and performances at Bonnaroo and Lockn’ Festivals, as well as the 2019 Libera Awards where she is nominated for Best Blues Album.