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. 

R&B/SOUL GODDESS DEVA MAHAL TO MAKE CARNEGIE HALL DEBUT ON APRIL 13


Special Performance Featuring Meshell Ndegeocello& Resistance Revival ChorusExplores Theme of “Migration of Women of Color in American Music”As part of Carnegie Hall’s “Migrations: The Making of America” Series


Mahal Preps for Release of New Singles in Spring 2019

Following the release of her critically acclaimed debut album Run Deep in 2018, powerhouse R&B/Soul vocalist Deva Mahal is set to make her Carnegie Hall debut at Zankel Hall on Thursday, April 13, at 10PM. Featuring special guests Meshell Ndegeocello and the Resistance Revival Chorus, Mahal’s performance will explore the evolution of African American women in music – as part of Carnegie Hall’s overall “Migrations: The Making of America” festival (running March 9 – April 15). This announcement comes as she gears up to release new singles this Spring, and  following her song “Fire” (Run Deep) being featured on the FOX TV show “The Gifted.”

Carnegie Hall’s “Migrations: The Making of America” festival traces the journeys of people from different origins and backgrounds who helped to shape and influence the evolution of American culture. The five-week event celebrates the many contributions -cultural, social, economic, and political – of the people who have helped build America’s vibrant and diverse culture.

The theme for Mahal’s program within the festival, “Migration of Women of Color in American Music,” is strongly connected to her recent album Run Deep, which was heavily inspired by the female vocalists and songwriters who ushered in the musical migration of women in 20th Century music.

As a testament to the spirit and hard work of these female music pioneers, iconic artists Meshell Ndegeocello (Mahal’s Music Director for the event) and Resistance Revival Chorus will be featured as guests, performing music from Mahal’s Run Deep, as well as playing her upcoming singles live for the first time.

“As a woman who transformed her career from a support musician to GRAMMY®-nominated artist and activist, Meshell Ndegeocello has been a continuing source of inspiration for me” Mahal explains. “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.”

“It’s an honor to perform at Carnegie Hall for the first time alongside one of my musical heroes, Meshell Ndegeocello, and with the fabulous women of Resistance Revival Chorus,” reflects Mahal. “My sisters will aid me in illuminating the migration and evolution of Women of Color in American music by performing songs from Run Deep, and highlighting a few African American women musicians of the 20th and 21st Century who have had a strong influence on me and my music.”

Deva Mahal at Carnegie Hall – Zankel Hall
Saturday, April 13, 2019, 10PM “Migration of Women of Color in American Music”  
Featuring Meshell Ndegeocello & Resistance Revival Chorus : Tickets  
For media information, contact press@motema.com

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About Motéma MusicThe award-winning Motéma label, based in Harlem in New York City, promotes artists of power and distinction who are masters at their craft, sensational live performers, and who care about making a positive difference in the world. The label specializes in music which spans genres, cultures, and generations and has received GRAMMY ® recognition for over twenty releases in the jazz, reggae and R&B genres. Known for surprising debuts by artists such as Gregory Porter, Joey Alexander and Pedrito Martinez, Motema’s diverse roster of over 175 recordings strikes a balance between established jazz icons (including NEA Jazz Master Randy Weston, innovator Geri Allen and experimental jazz titan David Murray) and innovative leaders of the contemporary scene including Donny McCaslin, Mark Guilanna, Ben Wendel and Jaimeo Brown.
For more information on Motéma Music, visit Motéma.com