The Pace Report: "A Kind of Maysa" The Maysa Leak Interview

Since the early 1990's vocalist Maysa Leak has been the noted co-lead vocalist the British soul band Incognito. It is her unique soulful and jazzy vocal style that places her in the ranks of comtemporaries like Anita Baker and Dianne Reeves which has allowed Maysa to cross music styles throughout her solo career. The Baltimore, Maryland native knew at an early age that she wanted to sing. It was her mother that she hails as one of her first major inspirations that helped her pursue her love for music. Her mother took her to see the Tony Award winning musical "Purlie" that sparked an interest in performing. Later, her uncle introduced her to vocalist Al Jarreau which eventually got her hooked to jazz vocalist like Ella Fitzgerald and Sarah Vaughan. Maysa grew up listening to all the popular music of the day but she choose to study Opera where she earned a degree in classical performance at Morgan State University. During Maysa's senior year at college, one of her best friends got her an audition with soul music legend, Stevie Wonder. She went to Mr. Wonder's room and auditioned for him right on the spot and landed the job as a background vocalist for Wonderlove. But Maysa asked Stevie if she could finish her last year of school so she could earn her degree and he kindly agreed. Upon graduation, she ended up touring with Stevie and performed on the "Jungle Fever" soundtrack, a film directed by Spike Lee. During some down time, she auditioned for another group that hailed out of London called Incognito. The band is fronted by producer and composer Jean-Paul 'Bluey' Maunick. Maysa was living in Los Angeles and performed her audition over the phone. Both Bluey and Maysa hit it off and flew to the UK where she recorded her debut record with the band. In 1992 the group released "Tribes, Vibes and Scribes" which featured Maysa as the co-lead vocalist of the group where she continues to hold that post to this day. In 1995 Maysa released her debut self-titled release and has released ten solo projects. Her latest releases are "Motions of Love" which features duets with Dwele and former mentor and friend Stevie Wonder and "Live at the Birchmere" which she sells at her live shows. For upcoming info on Maysa's show dates or to order her latest CD's "Motion of Love" and "Live at the Birchmere," please visit her online at www.maysa.com.

Added 1 May 2026