Photo courtesy of Sophia Mackay
The Colors of Culture an In-Depth Look at Sophia Mackay
Take the soulful electric energy of Soca, add the driving, unchained rhythm of Afro House, and smooth it all over with the velvety richness of Jazz. This innovative sound is the intoxicating potion that Sophia Mackay has named #Triangletrademusic. The music pulls elements from cultures across the globe and tells the story of Mackay’s own heritage, which is the result of a journey along the Atlantic slavery trade route.
Sophia’s arrival at this point in her career has come with its own twists and turns. She was born in London to Sierra Leonean parents. Her family moved frequently when she was young, causing Sophia to switch from school to school in the primary grades. The trend continued after they moved to Barbados, where Sophia attended four different primary and secondary schools. Sophia started studying business at the Barbados Community College, but she found her true calling after leaving the program and working at the renowned Praise Academy of Dance.
This reconnection to her creative passion inspired her to apply to Wac Arts, a prestigious institution in Hampstead, London, where she trained in the realms of theater, dance, and vocal performance. Although this bold move was new territory for Sophia, she may have known all along that her path would lead to music. A song literally runs through her veins; her mother taught herself to play the acoustic guitar and she was the worship leader and choir director at their family church. Sophia’s sister is also a singer/songwriter and many of her other relatives can either sing or play instruments. Eager to pursue her new-found love of performing, Sophia graduated from Wac Arts in 2014.
Since then, Sophia has racked up credits on the stage and on the screen. Skilled in Contemporary, Traditional African, Dancehall, and Caribbean Folk styles of dance, Mackay toured Jamaica and Barbados with the award-winning company GenerationNext. She’s also one-half of the UK Dancehall fusion duo L3O Dancers that are official performers for the English pop culture icon Tim Westwood. Sophia has burned up the stage alongside countless headliners, including Nikisha Reyes, Charly Black, RDX, and Spice. She has also been featured in exciting projects like The Redbull® Carnival Guide Music Video and The Beyonce Experience. In 2014, Mackay competed in the Miss Barbados UK pageant, where she finished in the top three.
Sophia received outstanding reviews for her work in the productions of Muscovado, Heartbreak Hotel, Journey’s Beyond, Garden of Hope, Speak life, and Little Shop of Horrors. Specifically, Muscovado UK: The Slave Trade Tour, was the recipient of the 2015 Alfred Fagon Audience Award. In it, Sophia played Willa and was lauded for her transcendent vocals and dramatic range.
In 2015, Sophia began making waves in the music industry with the release of her debut single, “Pressure on Me”. Her powerful, yet polished vocals set against the sexy “Sweet Strings Riddim” create a sultry melody that transports listeners to steamy, mysterious nights in the Caribbean. Her latest release, “Make a Step”, is a body-moving, heart-pumping dance anthem laced with Sophia’s trademark sensual overtones. The hypnotic collaboration with Jay Maneira is sure to be on replay, leaving old and new fans wanting more.
Sophia’s music has the unique power to bridge a variety of people, places, and generations. She recognizes that universal appeal, calling herself a “kaleidoscope of culture”. Her influences range from Rachelle Ferrell, Patra, and Mali Music all the way to Ella Fitzgerald, Chris Brown, and Sarah Vaughan, and Michael Jackson. It’s evident in the “no holds” way she performs that she lives to spread light and positive energy through her art.
Sophia aims to truly engage fans with every appearance, understanding that they spend hard-earned money to see their favorite artists, and that her music is often an escape from the realities of life. Sophia hopes to play a part in helping other young people to uncover their creativity. She feels that only through self-discovery can people truly identify their gifts, and in turn foresee their full potential. It was this kind of reflection that first led Sophia to develop her talents in the arts, and she is passionate about nurturing the next generation of artists in the same way.
Sophia is currently working to expand her own company, Zaiah Productions, and looking to start a lifestyle brand. She teaches musical theater and continues to dance professionally. Mackay also showcases her classical Jazz training as a vocalist at various social and community events. Recently she was the star vocalist at the Barbados 49th Independence Dinner and Dance. Sophia is focused on releasing strong singles to bring light to her #Triangletrademusic and plans to unveil her EP in 2017.
You can find Sophia on Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | SophiaMackayArt
Web www.sophiamackaymusic.com or www.sophiamackay.com.
Author ~ Kristen McMahan