A powerhouse vocalist and songwriter, Deva Mahal is the daughter of legendary blues musician Taj Mahal, with whom she wrote the song “Never Let You Go” on his Grammy Award nominated album Maestro. Deva’s particular brand of soul embraces her blues roots, with an infusion of gospel-tinged vocals, funk rhythms, jazz-like arrangements, and an R&B sensibility. Her undeniable vocal talent never ceases to blow audiences away, and her star continues to rise with new music due out on Motéma in 2018.
Immersing herself in the musical culture of New York City, Deva has had the pleasure of collaborating with Jaleel Bunton of TV on the Radio, Binky Griptite of Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings, Living Color, and the New York Pops Orchestra, and has performed onstage alongside such legends as Etta James, Dianne Reeves, Maceo Parker, Bettye Lavette, The Roots, and Cyndi Lauper. In recent years, Deva has toured with New Zealand keyboardist Steph Brown in the acclaimed band Fredericks Brown; renowned for their energetic live shows, rich harmonies, and beautifully crafted songs. Deva made her acting debut in the Academy Award nominated film American Hustle and recorded with composer Byran Senti for the 2015 film The Experimenter.
Jul 17th 2018 Get Info / Tickets
Sete, France
Festival Jazz A Sete
Deva Mahal (100% Festival Billing)
Aug 31st 2018 Get Info / Tickets
St. Lucia, St. Lucia
Grand Ballroom at The Royalton St. Lucia Resort an
Dec 1st 2018 Get Info / Tickets
Brooklyn, NY USA
Brooklyn Museum
Iris and B. Gerald Cantor Auditorium
HIGH-RES IMAGES
^ Photo Credit: Shervin Lainez
Additional photos are available only for press purposes by contacting press@motema.com
LOGOS
VIDEO
Deva Mahal – Snakes (Embed)
Deva Mahal – Run Deep (Embed)
BIOGRAPHY/PROGRAM NOTES
Biography/Program Notes: Download (doc)
Run Deep Press Release: Download (pdf)
CURRENT RELEASE
Run Deep (Releasing March 23rd, 2018)
PRESS REQUESTS
Jack Leitenberg
jackleitenberg@gmail.com
Please contact IMN’s Director of Marketing with any additional questions.
Dancing On My Own by Deva Mahal | COVERS
From Mahogany American soulstress, Deva Mahal, fluants her towering vocals on her cover of Robyn’s ‘Dancing On My Own’. Exclusively for COVERS. COVERS brings together Classic Songs and amazing New Artists against a bold silhouetted backdrop. Available on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Music. Watch the video here
Posted Jun 8th, 2018
Deep Soul of Deva Mahal
From WYNC Soundcheck The Powerful, Deep Soul of Singer Deva Mahal By: John Schaefer Meet the impressive R&B songstress Deva Mahal, who claims her parents as inspiration: blues legend Taj Mahal and dancer/artist/teacher Inshirah Mahal. Her latest record, Run Deep, is collection of modern and seductive, rich and rocking tunes that make for a grand tour of soul, blues and...
Posted May 31st, 2018
Deva Mahal: One Take
From GRAMMY.com One Take: Deva Mahal On Robyn, Willie Nelson & Listening In Bed By: Philip Merrill At SXSW 2018, Deva Mahal caught our attention with her soulful voice and lyrics. Her debut album, Run Deep, was released days later on March 23. But all of that was before she landed the top spot on the One Take leaderboard with...
Posted May 24th, 2018
Watch Deva Mahal on 'Later... with Jools Holland'
From BBC Two Deva Mahal – Snakes Deva Mahal performs “Snakes” on the BBC Two program ‘Later… with Jools Holland.’ See it on BBC player here
Posted May 23rd, 2018
Video Premiere: 'Fire' by Deva Mahal
From Billboard Deva Mahal Ignites a ‘Fire’: Video Premiere By: Gail Mitchell “The more you are consumed by the fire, the more you are reborn anew,” Deva Mahal tells Billboard. “And each time, you emerge stronger than before.” That’s the timeless message behind singer/songwriter Mahal’s “Fire” video, premiering on Billboard today (Apr. 26). […] Deva Mahal (pronounced Diva) comes by...
Posted Apr 26th, 2018
South By South-Best: Deva Mahal
From JamBase South By South-Best: Notable Sets Of SXSW Music 2018 By: David Schultz Deva Mahal: The daughter of blues musician Taj Mahal nearly broke the hearts of the Miles Davis House day party with her smoky, cabaret-style rendering of Robyn’s “Dancing On My Own.” Breaking down twice herself, Mahal pulled off what every contestant on American Idol or The...
Posted Mar 26th, 2018
Deva Mahal's Favorite Things
From Seventeen Magazine Deva Mahal’s Favorite Things Deva Mahal dropped by and chatted through some of THE BEST faves! Watch the video here:
Posted Mar 26th, 2018
Deva Mahal: Best New Band at SXSW
From Grammy.com Mallrat, Pronoun, Deva Mahal: 7 Best New Bands At SXSW 2018 By: Renée Fabian Time and time again we’ve heard that one of the amazing things about the annual SXSW music festival in Austin, Texas, is the wide-ranging lineup of artists that come to town covering the full gamut of genres. Festival attendees get to discover great new...
Posted Mar 19th, 2018
The Soul Songstress: Deva Mahal
From REFORM The Funk In Conversation with Soul Songstress: Deva Mahal Despite being a musician since before she can remember, Deva (pronounced Diva) Mahal is surprisingly humble. Throughout our shoot, she regularly checks in with how people are doing, exclaiming, “it’s so weird to have all these people here for me”. When she hears her voice emerging through the speakers,...
Posted Mar 16th, 2018
Premiere of "Fire" by Deva Mahal
From PopMatters Deva Mahal Brings Some Heat and Soul to “Fire” (premiere) By: Sarah Zupko Deva Mahal comes by the blues natural as it’s literally in her blood as the daughter of blues legend Taj Mahal. However, Deva Mahal takes the foundation and follows her own muse, forging a style for herself that blends blues, soul, modern R&B;, and gospel...
Posted Mar 12th, 2018
Deva Mahal's Powerful Pipes
From JamBase All-Star Lineup Comes Together To Honor The Music Of Led Zeppelin At Carnegie Hall After 15 years, impresario Michael Dorf has his annual benefit tribute concerts at Carnegie Hall down to a science. Dorf followed past tributes to artists by honoring Led Zeppelin for this year’s The Music Of installment, which took place on a snowy night in...
Posted Mar 11th, 2018
'Run Deep' Releases March 23
From EurWeb: Electronic Urban Report Deva Mahal Releases Debut Album ‘Run Deep’ March 23 By: Penny Jordan-Lane Genre defying R&B/Soul goddess Deva Mahal is set to release her much-anticipated debut album Run Deep on March 23 via Motéma Music, fresh off the success of her self-titled introductory EP. A rare combination of masterful songwriting and breathtaking vocal talent, Deva Mahal...
Posted Feb 23rd, 2018
'Can't Call It Love': Deva Mahal
From Parade Exclusive Song Premiere: Deva Mahal Tells it Like it is With “Can’t Call It Love” By: Laura B. Whitmore Here’s a sweet track from Deva Mahal to keep the passion going. It’s “Can’t Call It Love,” from her upcoming album Run Deep, due out March 23. In this track, Mahal is holding out for the right partner before...
Posted Feb 20th, 2018
12 New Albums: 'Run Deep' - Deva Mahal
From Bust Magazine 12 New Albums To Listen To This February: Playlist By: Bust Magazine Every issue of BUST, we review new albums — here’s the first half of our February/March 2018 review section, with a playlist to go with it. DEVA MAHAL Run Deep (Motéma Music) Deva Mahal (pronounced Diva) sings with a breadth and intensity that stirs the...
Posted Feb 12th, 2018
"Snakes" on Vevo's R&B Playlist!
From VEVO Check out Deva Mahal’s new video for “Snakes” on Vevo’s R&B playlist! See more videos here
Posted Jan 9th, 2018
France Inter: The Soul of Deva Mahal
From France Inter Ce matin une grande voix qui s’inscrit dans la lignée des légendes de la soul music, Deva Mahal… By: Andre Manoukian La jeune chanteuse Deva Mahal s’inscrit d’emblée dans cette tradition afro-américaine bi centenaire, comme pour rendre hommage à ses ancêtres à qui elle doit une des plus belles musiques du monde, la soul music, la musique...
Posted Dec 19th, 2017
"Snakes": New Video Wows NYTs
From The New York Times The Playlist: Black Thought Freestyles for 10 Minutes and 11 More New Songs By: Jon Pareles, Jon Caramanica and Giovanni Russonello Every Friday, pop critics for The New York Times weigh in on the week’s most notable new songs and videos — and anything else that strikes them as intriguing. “Cruel predictions have all come...
Posted Dec 15th, 2017
Deva Mahal: Best New Soul on Bandcamp
From Bandcamp The Best New Soul on Bandcamp: November 2017 Each month, Bandcamp brings you the best soul music the site has to offer. Whether it’s poignant social commentary from Aaron Abernathy, or an unearthed gem from Jackie Shane, these selections set a reflective tone for November’s cold nights. Warm blanket and comfort food optional. Deva Mahal, Deva Mahal Deva...
Posted Dec 4th, 2017
Relix: Deva Mahal To Release Debut EP
From Relix *Listen to Deva Mahal’s Debut EP (and Enter Pre-Save Contest)” Deva Mahal’s self-titled EP will be released tomorrow, via Motéma Music. The album, which was produced by Scott Jacoby (Vampire Weekend, José James, Coldplay) and Jarrett Wetherell precedes her first full-length record, set to follow in 2018. Deva, who is the daughter of Taj Mahal, has written music...
Posted Oct 26th, 2017
Deva Mahal, 'Deva Mahal'
From Exclaim! Deva Mahal, ‘Deva Mahal’ By: Kevin Press Deva Mahal’s debut LP is still a couple of months away, but in the meantime, we’ve got this delicious three-track taste of what this impressive young woman has to offer. Best known before now as daughter to blues legend Taj Mahal and dancer/artist/teacher Inshirah Mahal, Deva is about to take centre...
Posted Oct 24th, 2017
PREMIERE: Deva Mahal, "Take A Giant Step"
From Spindle Magazine PREMIERE: DEVA MAHAL – ‘TAKE A GIANT STEP’ By: Amy Hughes Deva Mahal is aptly named. The daughter of blues icon Taj Majal and dancer, artist, and educator Inshirah Mahal, the singer has music in her blood, and her music combines powerhouse vocals with artful songwriting to give her the makings of a big-time diva. On her...
Posted Oct 12th, 2017
Deva Mahal's "Run Deep" is a Thunderous Modern-Soul Anthem
From Okayplayer Deva Mahal’s “Run Deep” is a Thunderous Modern-Soul Anthem By: ZO The heiress to a blues and soul dynasty, Deva Mahal has inherited a rare legacy along with her name. On October 27th, she’ll release a self-titled EP, her first project since moving to NYC and establishing an iron-clad rep in its live circuit. Ahead of the EP’s...
Posted Sep 22nd, 2017
Deva Mahal in Carnegie Tribute to Aretha Franklin
From Billboard The Queen of Soul Receives a Multi-Artist Tribute at Carnegie Hall With ‘The Music of Aretha Franklin’ By: Frank Scheck The Queen of Soul wasn’t in attendance, but Aretha Franklin would have certainly been thrilled by the musical tribute paid her at Carnegie Hall on Monday night (March 6). Featuring a roster of estimable musicians performing songs recorded by...
Posted Mar 7th, 2017
Rising star Deva Mahal carries on tradition of famous father
From The Houston Chronicle Deva Mahal carries on tradition of famous father By: Andrew Dansby Deva Mahal’s first big music credit came seven years ago when her song “Never Let You Go” appeared on an album by her famous father Taj Mahal. And much in the same way her father fused the blues with sounds from around the world, Deva...
Posted Aug 1st, 2016
Five Things To Know About Deva Mahal
from SFJazz Five Things To Know About Deva Mahal By Ross Eustis On April 9th, Deva Mahal brings her superb new solo project to SFJAZZ. Here are five things to know about the rising singer. 1. She’s the daughter of blues legend Taj Mahal, and co-wrote the song “Never Let You Go” on her father’s 2009 GRAMMY-nominated Maestro album. 2....
Posted Apr 4th, 2016
Deva Mahal at Studio 17
From Victor Jeffreys II I LOVE DEVA MAHAL By: Victor Jeffreys II Deva Mahal is spectacular. She is an exceptional musician, has an infectious spirit, and I am humbled to be able to call her a friend. Deva and Yasser Tejeda came by Studio 17 last night to play—and it was, as always, magical. To read the full article click...
Posted Nov 5th, 2015
Radio New Zealand National: Deva Mahal
The Mahal name is a familiar one in local music circles. Grammy-winner and blues veteran Taj Mahal is father to Ahmen, better known as Imon Starr, and daughters Zoe Moon and Deva Mahal. New York-based Deva is back in New Zealand and on her quick trip home she’s been on stage with her siblings, and squeezes in a night with...
Posted May 30th, 2015
Bessie 81 Tour: Deva Mahal
HBO continued its Bessie 81 Theatre tour in honor of Bessie Smith and their upcoming film Bessie on Tuesday night (April 28) with a musical showcase in the concrete jungle. Hosted by MTV2 Guy Code’s Damien Lemon, artists like Deva Mahal, Gabriel Garzon-Montano, Adeline Michele and Phony Ppl performed their best jams at Manhattan’s Stephan Weiss Studios. To read the...
Posted Apr 29th, 2015
The Retro Cool of Deva Mahal
From Seen Heard Known THE RETRO COOL OF DEVA MAHAL By Erin Eastabrooks Last Thursday night, Greenwich House Music School had their final performance in a month long tribute to Café au Go Go, celebrating what would have been their 50th Anniversary. Back in its heyday, the legendary café had welcomed such artists such as Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton and...
Posted Apr 28th, 2014
The Deva Mahal Interview
From The Jake Feinberg Show THE DEVA MAHAL INTERVIEW By Jake Feinberg Deva Mahal is part of my generation. A generation that grew up better than their parents and had accessibility to see and hear and access more information then ever before. In some respects if your an artist from our generation, because of this access, you tend to emulate...
Posted Feb 28th, 2014
Fredericks Brown ft Deva Mahal at Boulder Theater
From The Marquee Review/Photos: World Blues ft Taj Mahal Trio, Vusi Mahlasela, Fredericks Brown ft Deva Mahal Boulder Theater 10/19/13 BY Chibo Acevedo This past Saturday evening at the Boulder Theater, the Taj Mahal Trio headlined an evening of music, rich in cultural diversity. A full house was treated to some real home cookin’ by the blues legend, along with...
Posted Oct 21st, 2013
Deva Mahal Master Rider (2018): Download
Fabulous
Elton John
“Snakes” is a hand-clapping, piano-pounding, call-and-response buildup with a melody that harks back to field hollers.
New York Times
As the daughter of famed blues singer, Taj Mahal, Deva was born with a mix of genres in her blood
Vibe
Deva and crew will make you dance, they will make you cry, and they will also make you realize that you will never be as talented as they are
Gawker
A sublime pop creation, infused with soul, rootsy blues, and a slight island shimmer
Marquee Magazine
Uplifting and soulful… a unique sound that is both reminiscent and refreshing
The Daily Nonpareil