University of Richmond Artist in Residence Leyla McCalla
University of Richmond Artist in Residence Leyla McCalla combines original compositions and traditional Haitian tunes with historical broadcasts and contemporary interviews and research. McCalla’s performances are captivating, fueled by rich, sophisticated melodic work and intoxicating Afro-Caribbean rhythms. Born to a pair of Haitian emigrants and activists, McCalla first rose to fame with the GRAMMY-winning Carolina Chocolate Drops before launching her solo career in 2014. The New York Timesdescribed her voice as “disarmingly natural, and her settings elegantly succinct,” while Rolling Stone hailed her “politically pointed lyrics.” Besides her own projects, McCalla currently performs in Our Native Daughters, alongside Rhiannon Giddens.
During her residency at the University of Richmond Leyla will visit the campus for four weeks over the year, working with a wide variety of students in and beyond the Department of Music.