Maia represents a vibrant new colour to Kenya’s contemporary musical landscape.  Born and raised in Nairobi, she has come to be known as one of East Africa’s most enigmatic performers, having graced festival stages including Africa Utopia (UK), HIFA (Zimbabwe), Moshito (South Africa), IOMMA & Sakifo (Reunion Island), Mafrica Music Festival (NYC) and Sauti za Busara (Zanzibar).

Maia’s second studio album, Maia & The Big Sky, is the culmination of a three-year journey exploring her Mijikenda heritage. Her magnetic vocals, both in Kiswahili and English, weave coastal polyrhythms with soul and folk, creating a big live sound with a familiarity and warmth that transcends continents.  The first single ‘Lola’, includes a stop-motion music video, and the second video ‘Pawa’ (featuring Blinky Bill) will be released in November 2017. 

Maia’s previous recordings, under the name Maia von Lekow, include 2008’s self-titled EP featuring “Oyster” which appeared on Warner Poland’s Ladies’ Jazz Album Vol 6, and “Uko Wapi” which earned her two African Academy Awards for best soundtrack.  Her Debut album DRIFT was released in 2012 and featured the single “Jellyfish”. 

Maia & the Big Sky will be touring festivals over the 2017/2018 summer, including Woodford & Perth International Arts Festival (Australia), Blankets & Wine (Kenya) and Sauti za Busara (Zanzibar).