Haitian-American musician, Leyla McCalla, is using her concerts as a platform to advocate for social justice. Born in New York to Haitian immigrant parents, McCalla is deeply connected to her heritage and the struggles faced by Haiti throughout its history. She believes that as Americans, we are more connected to Haiti than we realize, and that supporting Haiti’s fight for justice is crucial to the broader movement for black lives.
McCalla’s upcoming concert at the Avalon Theatre in Easton, Maryland is a chance for her to raise awareness about the issues facing Haiti. While her music addresses the serious challenges Haiti has faced, McCalla emphasizes that her concerts are not just about activism. She wants her audience to have a good time and enjoy the music. McCalla’s band, comprised of drummer Shawn Myers, bassist Pete Olynciw, and guitarist Nhum Zdybel, knows how to create a joyful and uplifting musical experience.
Haitian immigrants have found a home in Maryland, particularly in Salisbury where the largest population of Haitian immigrants resides. Many Haitians have been drawn to Salisbury for work in the poultry industry. The Chesapeake Multicultural Resource Center, based in Easton, serves a significant number of Haitian immigrants in the area. Executive Director Matthew Peters states that about 20 percent of their clients are Haitian immigrants.
Haiti has struggled with a series of natural disasters, political instability, and violence. Years of earthquakes, hurricanes, and a 30-year dictatorship under the Duvalier regime have left the country in a state of despair. The recent assassination of President Jovenel Moise in 2021 has only added to the turmoil. McCalla’s personal experiences, including a visit to Haiti as a child in 1995, have shaped her understanding of the nation’s challenges.
In her most recent album, Breaking the Thermometer, McCalla draws inspiration from a multi-disciplinary arts project commissioned by Duke University based on Radio Haiti archives. The album stands as a tribute to the demise of a free press in Haiti and the importance of truth-telling. McCalla’s work reflects her concerns about the erosion of democracy not only in Haiti but also in the United States, where the threat of authoritarianism looms.
One of McCalla’s ongoing projects is a four-song cycle called the Freedom Series, with two songs already released. This series continues her exploration of themes related to freedom and social justice. While her concert on Saturday will bring attention to injustice, it will not be a gospel or political sermon. McCalla wants her audience to experience the joy and celebration of life through her music.
Leyla McCalla’s talent as a musician extends beyond her solo work. Her collaborations, such as her banjo and vocal riffs with the Grammy-winning Carolina Chocolate Drops on the lively number Cornbread and Butterbeans, have gained recognition and appreciation. McCalla’s ability to create a big and joyful sound ensures that her concerts are memorable experiences for audiences.
In a world where the fight for justice and human rights is ongoing, Leyla McCalla uses her music to raise awareness and advocate for change. Whether it be through her solo albums or collaborations, she remains committed to bringing attention to important social issues. As she takes the stage at the Avalon Theatre, McCalla’s concert promises to be a powerful and uplifting experience, reminding us all of the fundamental human right to celebrate life.
