MYA: Liberation

In 1998, 18 year old Mya hit the national stage and seemed to have become an instant star. Her flawless skin, bountiful hair, captivating smile and talent made her a triple or even quadruple threat. She went platinum with top 10 singles like, "It's All About Me," "Movin' On" and "My First Night With You." She continued to shine when "Ghetto Superstar" and "Take Me There" (which appeared on the Bulworth and Rugrats soundtracks, respectively) also topped the charts. Mya's sophomore cd Fear of Flying ((2000) also went platinum and featured "Case of the Ex" and the "Best of Me." 2003's Moodring went gold and that same year she starred in the acclaimed film Chicago, earning the Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by the Cast of a Theatrical Motion Picture. Since Chicago, Mya has appeared in several movies, including Havana Nights and Shall We Dance and is currently shooting Cover, directed by Bill Duke. She also just signed with the Ford Modeling Agency. Says Mya of her new creative outlet, "I'm just getting started in acting and I'm taking the time to study and learn enjoy it and be true to the craft."

After three successful cds at Interscope Records, Mya amicably left and, in 2005 signed with Universal Motown Records, where she says, "I feel that I've found home." Her new album Liberation features songs like "Lock U Down" Produced by Scott Storch and co-written by Mya (like all of Liberation's songs). Then there is the up-tempo lead off single "Ayo" the club-banger produced by Chris Henderson and features DC hype man DJ Kool. "That song tickles me," Mya laughs. "It's a straight party song, but the message is clear 'if someone's doing you wrong, focus on yourself and move on. I've been there, but I don't dwell on it; life is too short."

The entertainment industry can be filled with bumps, bruises and the exhilaration that comes with "ridin" to the top. That brings me to the single "Ridin," a relationship song from a woman's perspective.... more on that later. During our conversation, I even found out that I share a birthday with her dad.

Anyway, through all of her personal successes, presumed "failures" and trials, Mya's life seems to have been constantly inspired by music, her passion for dance and family. So, in this interview with AC, Mya took some time to chat about her life and times, the album and well, just plain talk about her LIBERATION.

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Saba,Ink: With Lindsay Lohan, Paris Hilton and some of the girls that seem to have gone wild, from Libra girl to another, how do you keep your "scales balanced?"
MYA: That is an every day struggle.... The balance. But inconsistency is great for me. Getting involved with in many different things keeps me from being bored or consumed too much of just one thing. So, I just like to play. I am definitely indecisive, It is really hard for me to make a decision. But you know if I'm going to go to Krispy Kreme I won't go to the gym, If I'm going to the gym then I won't have a Krispy Kreme (laughing)

Saba, Ink: Who do you think is the hottest looking guy out right now? That makes you go WHOA
MYA: I was watching Roll Bounce on the Plane (laughing) and who ever played the character "Sweetness" was off the chain. He caught my eye and it usually doesn't happen that much. He was definitely on point (laughing).

Saba, Ink: Shall we begin the Love Connection?
MYA: Maybe in about two years or so (laughing)....Yeah...

Saba, Ink: I hear you!

Saba, Ink: I see that you have done some touring while you were "away." Why the Caribbean & Africa? What countries did you go to?
MYA: I've always wanted to go and when I moved back home (DC)from California I set up a team together of musicians, dancers, singers performers, photographers, videographers. And the show-off is always coming...but not being prepared is not cool. So we spent some time putting a live band together and touring. DC is really not much for opportunities for keeping a team motivated and so traveling, perfecting your craft and getting better, it was definitely a blessing.

Saba,Ink: Mya- As beautiful as you are, most would say that they cannot imagine your even having to do any "ridin." Talk to me....
MYA: Yeah sure, I guess, I wish that was the case. Well, it is a true story unfortunately. You know I was at a place in my life where some things were not going right. I was getting some hints and phone calls, and I needed closure. Asking questions were not getting me the answers I needed, so I used my own measures and some were extreme measures, which might have been a little desperate, a little psycho but It got the job done and I was able to have closure and move on which was refreshing. But it gets like that sometimes no matter what you look like...you know.

Saba,Ink: Did you have your girl(s) with you?
MYA: I was actually by myself.

Saba Ink: You are a brave woman. You go ...

Saba, Ink: So, in life and career, circumstances force us to have to re-design ourselves. Tell me some of the key periods in your life that brought you to Liberation?
MYA: The breakup of my second boyfriend was very emotional and It caused me to go through many phases. In one phase I became hard-edged, I felt like I had to be aggressive, go get it attitude like never before. It was like I had to become a "Man" for myself....It was probably a coverup but that was a role I probably needed to play to save myself. Another was my mother's breast cancer, it definitely altered my way of thinking....I grew up really quickly and it refocused me from running out to the clubs and probably kept me focused. It was a blessing and helped me to set my priorities straight. Now, I'm woman enough to have my college party days and be responsible. Let's see (sighs),going to Africa was really an awakening to be able to see what's going on in the world.

Saba,Ink: What Part of Africa did you visit?
MYA: Tanzania, Casababa, Ethiopia and Angola...

Saba,Ink: Any plans for more work in Africa?
MYA: Probably in December, but it is not confirmed yet. We are definitely going to be in London and a few other...

Saba, Ink: You were on the Bulworth Soundtrack based around the movie about an election campaign. What are your thoughts on the upcoming '08 elections?
MYA: Well I know exactly who I'm voting for let's say that and I've had the pleasure of meeting that person. I made my decision yesterday. Actually, there are two I am considering for my own reasons. It is going to be a pretty thick competition between the two of them. I just hope that everybody goes out and vote...it is definitely time for a change. I am actually reading a book about them right now and I actually posted it on my MYSPACE page a while ago...and that's the end of my clue (laughing)

Saba,Ink: Dance seems to be a passion of yours, so what is the Mya Arts Foundation?
MYA: Yes it was formed in 2005 and is a non-profit based in DC. The age range we cater to are kids 5-13 and are currently in expansion partnering with Duke Ellington. It is an arts and tech based and for anything you want to know about it, you can visit the website site at www.tmatf.com
And this year I will be Ms. Mya again, teaching on Mondays and Tuesdays and some Wednesdays. I teach sound engineering, step to precision and African Dance. I teach all levels and they are broken down as Beginners, Intermediate and Advanced.

Saba, Ink: What are your other business ventures?
MYA: There are a few in the works but it wouldn't be smart to share that until it is set in stone. You know how that goes...

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My conversation with Mya was truly enjoyable. She seems to be grounded, warm and at peace with herself. She seems to be "Locking Down" her career and every aspect of her life. Currently, there is an undetermined release date for her album, but you can check her out at the www.therealmya.com.

Thanks for your time and energy Ms. Mya!