RNZ Music is proud to present the new singe and video from Deva Mahal. ‘Stand In’ is heavily rooted in Deva’s upbringing between Hawaii and New Zealand, her Afro-Caribbean heritage and her background in American Folk Music.
Deva Mahal was born with blues in her blood. Born in Hawaii, Deva has been performing since she was five years old. She moved to Aotearoa as a 17-year-old, where she solidified her career as a performer and musician.
Performing alongside Fat Freddy’s Drop (including BVs on their 2005 hit ‘Wandering Eye’), Rhombus (on their Future Reference album), Sola Rosa (taking the lead on ‘Reedemer’ from his 2005 album Moves On), and more.
Deva Mahal 'Stand In' cover art Photo: Supplied
Internationally, Deva has held a solo show at Carnegie Hall, performed on acclaimed TV show Later with Jools Holland, and played alongside artists including Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings, TV on the Radio, and Mavis Staples.
Deva released her debut album Run Deep in 2018.
After returning to Aotearoa from the U.S. in early 2020, Deva received some devastating medical news, then the pandemic hit. Now, based in Wellington, Deva is rediscovering her Aotearoa roots and reimagining her future.
‘Stand In’ was inspired by Deva’s time in New Zealand, which she describes as “a time of deep healing emotionally and physically”.
The track comes at a time of increased awareness of systemic racism and inequality: “I am often moved to tears unable to remember a time in my life where race and inequality have been more at the forefront of every news station, social media outlet, blog, television shows in my life,” Deva says, “I’ve never known what it feels like to not be aware of my skin colour.”
‘Stand In’ was co-produced by Marika Hodgson (Troy Kingi, Kora, Alae, Hollie Smith) who describes Mahal as “one of the most amazing performers in the world”.
The song's video was directed by Petra Cibilich, and made possible by NZ On Air.
Follow Deva on Facebook / Instagram / YouTube / Soundcloud / Spotify
