A rare combination of masterful songwriting and breathtaking vocal talent, Deva Mahal was born with blues in her blood. Beginning from her upbringing in Kaua’i, Hawaii to discovering her voice in New Zealand, it’s there where she solidified her vision of becoming an artist. Deva’s star continued to rise in New York City where in 2018, she released her aptly named debut album, Run Deep, followed by a series of singles released in 2019 by Motéma Music and a couple of acclaimed independent releases through Mahal Clan Productions.
During this time Deva toured the world, gracing the stages of the Hollywood Bowl, Carnegie Hall, Bonnaroo, the Montreal Jazz Festival, Byron Bay Blues Festival, North Sea Jazz Festival, London Jazz Festival along with many other esteemed events and venues. She has distinguished herself as song writer by being a finalist for the 2021 Apra Silver Scroll and the 2019 A2IM Indie Awards, Contributing two compositions and featuring as a vocalist on the Grammy award winning album “The Wild Card” by legendary recording artist and actress, Ledisi as well as providing her original composition and performance to open the 2021 Biden/Harris inauguration and 2021 rally for Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern. The pleasure of collaborating with a number of musicians; Son Little, Allen Stone, Jaleel Bunton of TV on the Radio, Binky Griptite of Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings, Kris Bowers, Keb Mo, and has performed on stage alongside such international legends as Etta James, Björk, Ceelo Green, Angelique Kidjo, Michael Stipe, Patti Smith, and The Roots as well as local heroes like Tami Neilson, Troy Kingi, Fat Freddy’s Drop and Trinity Roots .
Deva has spent the last few years in Aotearoa following a massive surgery and the devastating Covid-19 pandemic taking that time to delve deeper into her craft as a composer as well as cultivating her skills as a producer, alongside Christchurch born, Chris Wethey. Mahal’s newest project ( Future Classic: Vol 1 - Classic) passionately channels into her music the staggering heartbreak of the current racial violence and political injustices of her country of origin, the eternal endeavour to search for true love and self-worth, and her emboldened sense of the sensuality, softness and power as a Black woman.
