Deja Cabiness Survey of African American Music Dr. Johnson Mýa Harrison Deja Cabiness Survey of African American Music Dr. Johnson

Mya Harrison, famously known as Mýa is an influential R&B artist who has been in the music industry for 20 years. Not only is she an artist, but she is an internationally known dancer, producer, songwriter, musician, activist and actress.

Before the Music Mya Marie Harrison was born on October 10th of 1979 in Washington DC. As a child she was heavily involved with dance and was taught by Savion Glover at the Dance Theater of Harlem. Being that her father Sherman was a musician, when he found that she could sing he helped find her a record deal with Interscope records.

Mýa In 1998 Mýa released her debut self-titled album. Featuring hit records like “It’s All About Me” and “Moving On”, the album went double platinum. This album was the then 18 year olds introduction to fame.

Planet 9 Planet 9 is Mýa’s independent label that was founded in 2008. After her previous label accidently leaked her upcoming album Liberation in 2007 Mya decided to part ways with Motown/Universal and take matters into her own hands. She has executive produced, self engineered and self funded all of her release projects. In 2017 Smoove Jones was Grammy nominated under Planet 9.

Community Impact Mya has always been actively involved within the community. She was once the spokesperson for Secret to Self Esteem. She is also the founder of The Mýa Arts & Tech Foundation, a non-profit that provides disadvantaged youth opportunities within arts and technology. Mýa is also an advocate of breast cancer. She recorded “My Bra” which was sold on itunes and donated 100% of proceeds to breast cancer research. She has also contributed to the homeless community back in D.C. Not only that, but she has been involved in many campaigns like the Human Rights Campaign and #LoveConquersHate. She is a celebrity ambassador for Africare as well.