Origin stories
Sing
ArinMaya is a Brooklyn-based inspirational, genre-bending singer, songwriter, sound healer, maker and activist, described by Grammy-nominated jazz vocalist Gregory Porter as having “a unique and ancient sound.”
ArinMaya originally hails from Chicago’s South Side where her artistic training began with studies in West African dance and rhythms, and continued in numerous church and community choirs.
At home, her love of music was fostered by her parents’ diverse record collection, which included Bobby McFerrin, Stevie Wonder, Ella Fitzgerald, Sweet Honey in the Rock and Paul Simon, among others.
In 2010, after catching the attention of Grammy-winning singer and humanitarian Maya Azucena, ArinMaya became Maya’s go-to background vocalist until 2016.
In 2011 and 2012 she had the life-changing opportunity to study Circlesinging with Bobby McFerrin and Voicestra; the experience deeply inspired her live performances and overall approach to writing. In 2017, ArinMaya joined the Resistance Revival Chorus, whose mission aligns perfectly with her own, and soon became a featured arranger and vocalist. With them she has taken the stage at Carnegie Hall and Joe's Pub alongside musical greats like Carly Simon and Phillip Glass, among others.
Create
Self- and mother-taught, she has been learning, creating and innovating for over 20 years. Her handmade designs featured at ArinMayaMade include original patterned knit and crochet scarves, hats and jewelry, as well as jewelry and accessories made from recycled and up-cycled materials such as bottle caps, tee shirts, wine corks and buttons.
As an artist instructor, ArinMaya engages and encourages students to identify their own unique voices and to explore the possibilities therein. She has had the unique opportunity to work with people of all ages across the disciplines of dance, step, music and handmade arts in New York, Chicago, Virginia and Washington D.C.;
Heal
Sound has always been my most trusted teacher and I believe we can all use the inherent power of our own voices to heal and bring communities closer together.
We have arrived in a moment where we can put more intentional care into ourselves. We should begin healing from within by using our first instrument – our voices – as our best and most solid defense. I teach my clients how to tune into their unique vibrations to make an impact in their world and beyond.