Deva Salote Mahal[1] (pronounced 'diva') is a soul and R&B singer. Mahal is the daughter of American blues musician
Taj Mahal.
Deva joined father Taj Mahal in
Michael Dorf's tribute to
Aretha Franklin at
Carnegie Hall in New York City on March 6, 2017.[2] They performed "
Chain of Fools". Other artists that performed included
Todd Rundgren and
Sarah Dash.[3] One year later, Mahal returned to Carnegie Hall for Dorf's next tribute night, "The Music of Led Zeppelin". She was joined by
Dap-Kings guitarist Binky Griptite on "Your Time Is Gonna Come".[4]
Early life
Deva Mahal was born in Hawaii to parents
Taj Mahal and Inshirah Mahal.[5] When she was 17, they moved to New Zealand before settling in New York City.[6] She played with various artists around New York before pursuing a career as a solo artist.
Career
Pre-2017: Early work
Mahal began writing and performing music as a child, gigging from age 5.[7] She has worked with artists including
TV on the Radio,
Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings and
Fat Freddy's Drop.[8] Mahal provided backing vocals on
Hollie Smith'sLong Player and
Fat Freddy's Drop's album Based on a True Story, track "Wandering Eye". She also collaborated with keyboardist Steph Brown in the band "Fredericks Brown" The duo toured and put out a pair of EPs together with guitarist Michael Taylor.[9]
2017: Deva Mahal EP
Mahal launched her solo career by initially releasing three songs as a self-titled
extended play, Deva Mahal, in October 2017.[10]
2018: Run Deep
Mahal released her debut album 'Run Deep' March 23, 2018.[11] The album was produced by
Scott Jacoby.[12] GRAMMY.com revealed she was their No. 1 'Best New Bands' from
South by Southwest 2018.[13]
2019: "Goddamn" and "Your Only One"
Mahal released two singles, "Goddamn" and "Your Only One", following her debut album Run Deep. The singles were co-produced by Mahal and
Son Little.[14]
Musical style
Mahal's musical style ranges from Soul, Funk, R&B and Blues and she cites Tracy Chapman, Nina Simone and
Lauryn Hill as some of her influences.[15] Her soulful vocal style has been compared to
Amy Winehouse.[16]