Maysa Leak has one of the most authentic voices in the world. She has recorded some of the finest soul albums, and she continues to impress the critics and audiences, on a global status. Based in Maryland, USA, Maysa spoke with me on the phone and agreed to set up this wonderful interview.

Matthew: Thanks Maysa for agreeing to do this interview with me. How are you feeling?
Maysa Leak: I'm doing okay & on vocal rest for a while & I've been singing a little too much lately.

Matthew: You've had a brilliant music career, you began as lead singer for Incognito and released hits like "Don't You Worry O'Bout A Thing" and "Positivity", how was this experience for you?
Maysa Leak: I will always cherish my time with first years with Incognito: that was the most magical and amazing time of my life.

Matthew: Was there any musical differences that you noticed when recording "Adventures in Black Sunshine" to "Tribes, Vibes and Scribes"?
Maysa Leak: To me Bluey's creativity has been astounding from the first day I met him until this new album Eleven (11).

Matthew: "All My Life" was released in 2000 on Ralphs Expansion Records, it was produced by co-worker Bluey so they had a past. How is your releationship with Bluey and what was it like working together?
Maysa Leak: Bluey and I are like brother and sister and we work really well together. I kinda feel like I'm an extension of his creativity.

Matthew: When you are on stage performing, what do you enjoy most from it, are you a true diva and arrive late? Or do you always arrive on time to give your fans what they've waited for?
Maysa Leak: I have never and I will never give a diva attitude. I am very professional and I do my job without complaining even when I have legitimate complaints. I will not however, allow people to walk all over me. I have a reputation for being an easy going, hard worker.

Matthew: You've worked in one of the studios I have worked in called Opaz Studios, owned by the very talented Ray Hayden. When did you to decide to collaborate?
Maysa Leak: I first worked with Ray Hayden at Opaz when he produced some songs on my first CD "Maysa" in 1994-95.

Matthew: You lived in London for quite a long time in your life, was your stay here a positive one?
Maysa Leak: I LOVE LONDON and I miss it a lot. I could easily live in Baltimore for 6 months and London for the other 6: I know how to get around and I just feel so at home there.

Matthew: "Smooth Sailing" was released after "All My Life", and it is very impressive, the first record I purchased of you. What was it like working with Ledisi and others?
Maysa Leak: It's always fun working with people you admire: I had a great time with everyone who played on my record.

Matthew: You've also recorded with Stevie Wonder and Urban Species; how was that, especially with Stevie Wonder?
Maysa Leak: A dream come true... amazingly fun and stimulating!

Matthew: Your voice has been compared to Sade, the musical style of a "Lovers Rock" except with your own twist. What were your musical roots? Did your family play musical instruments? Who were in your parents record collections? Who did you idolize as a youngster?
Maysa Leak: I idolized Chaka Khan, Patti Labelle, Melba Moore, Thelma Houston, Joyce Kennedy, Earth Wind and Fire, Anita Baker, The Isley Brothers, etc... My parents played such a wide variety of music I could not even begin to name all of them, but we heard the Gap Band EVERY morning because my Mom would play them loud so we would get up for school.

Matthew: What are your future plans? Any more records with producers like Bluey or Ray Hayden? Are you lingering on the idea of retirement? What are your current career aims?
Maysa Leak: I'm not old enough to retire yet! I'm only 39! I would like to work with Bluey, Ray, George Duke, Quincy Jones... as many people as possible.

Matthew: Do you know a producer named Colin Emmanuel? He is a very talented modern soul producer who's worked with Mary J Blige and others. You should find out if you can collaborate because I think it would be really interesting.
Maysa Leak: Where can I find him?

Matthew: What is your most irritating habits?
Maysa Leak: My most irritating habit would be that I stress on losing weight! I would like to change my view of myself.

Matthew: What would you like to say to all your fans?
Maysa Leak: I LOVE YOU ALL WITH MY HEART, AND I'M NOT TALKING ABOUT HOLLYWOOD LOVE! I MEAN REAL LOVE, I APPRECIATE ALL OF THE SUPPORT YOU HAVE SHOWN ME AND I WILL DO MY BEST TO NOT DISAPPOINT YOU!!

Matthew: Thanks very much for doing this interview. It's been a pleasure.