A singer, songwriter, recording artist and actor whose musical foundation lies in R&B/soul, local singer-songwriter Mariama Whyte draws from reggae, inspirational music and pop music.

An author and former Broadway touring performer with The Lion King and The Color Purple, Whyte received a 2020 Artist Residency from Karamu House as well as a 2019 Verge Fellowship from Cleveland Arts Prize.

She’s just released her new reggae/pop single, “This is a Gift,” a tune that’ll be included on her forthcoming full-length album, Hey You It’s Me. The uplifting song serves as an extension of previous releases such as “We Be One,” “I Need You” and “This Mother’s Life.” 

YouTube video

This article appears in Jan 5-11, 2022.

Jeff has been covering the Cleveland music scene for more than 25 years now. On a regular basis, he tries to talk to whatever big acts are coming through town. And if you're in a local band that he needs to hear, email him at jniesel@clevescene.com.