Called an “astral soul goddess” by Mojo magazine, Navasha Daya (nah-Vah-sha Day- ya), is an exceptionally gifted and seasoned recording and performing artist, songwriter/ singer, composer, producer, arranger, choreographer, curator and committed cultural arts activist who is internationally known as a breath-taking performer.

​

On stage, Navasha embodies the indigenous feminine spirit and inspires women throughout the world. Grammy-Award winning songstress India Arie described Navasha’s voice as “the true definition of soulful.” Navasha has charted at #2 on both Japan's jazz and dance iTunes charts numerous times (usually second to Lady Gaga); she has also received international acclaim from her debut solo release “Rebirthed Above Ground ‘ – a genre – busting powerhouse of originality and soul-stirring lyrics. Daya's most recent album "Lom Nava Love (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)" was listed as one of the 50 best soul albums of 2016 by Soultracks and described by Sirius XM radio host Dermot Hussey as "A soundtrack of the times...". Prior to her solo releases, Navasha served as lead vocalist, songwriter and co-founder of the highly acclaimed Baltimore based soul/jazz band, Fertile Ground.

 

As a performing artist, Navasha has performed all over the globe and has shared the stage with a bevy of artists such as South African jazz trumpeter Hugh Masekela, Beninese singer Angelique Kidjo, Japanese pianist Hajime Yoshizawa, and American artists such as Common, Jill Scott, Joan Baez, India.Arie, Erykah Badu, Run DMC, Zap Mama, Rachelle Farrell, Cassandra Wilson, Earl Klugh, Michael Franti of Spearhead and Roberta Flack just to name a few. As a songwriter, Navasha Daya’s compositions have been remixed by some of the world’s top DJs and producers. In addition to her solo career, Navasha toured (2013-2015) as a guest artist, singing with the Grammy Award winning a capella group “Sweet Honey In The Rock.”

 

A Baltimore transplant by way of Cleveland, OH, Navasha Daya’s impact on the world reaches far beyond the stage and walls of the recording studio. Navasha is an artist with a purpose. Navasha, a music educator and committed cultural arts activist, is a Co- Founder and Director of the Healing & Performing Arts of the Youth Resiliency Institute, whose mission is to utilize the Arts to mobilize and bring change and equity in the community. She also serves as co-director of the Cherry Hill Arts & Music Waterfront Festival in South Baltimore.

​

Daya is currently putting the finishing touches on her highly anticipated forthcoming album "Legacy (A Tribute to Gil Scott-Heron)."  A heartfelt tribute to her late cousin showcasing Daya's interpretation of Scott- Heron's timeless classics. The lead single "Liberation Song (Red, Black and Green) features Grammy-Award winning master saxophonist and legend Gary Bartz.

 

Continuing the musical legacy of her cousin the late great Gil Scott Heron, and embodying the influences of the likes of Phyllis Hyman, Patti Austin, Lyn Collins, Mahalia Jackson, Miriam Makeba, Mavis Staples… her live show fuses her eclectic mix of Soul-Jazz – Funk and World Rhythms while pulling from her Mississippi Blues lineage.