Sonjia Hubert Harper aka Maia Vibraphonist,

Harpist, Flautist

by Dr. Gail Jhonson

Collaboration is a vital tool for artists and musicians, especially female creatives seeking growth and success in the male-dominated music industry. When I reflected on interactions with talented female artists and musicians, one notable collaborator was Sonjia Hubert Harper, SAG-AFTRA performer whose stage name is Maia.

Maia was the co-founder of the first all-woman instrumental ensemble of the internationally- known Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians (AACM) in Chicago. They performed and toured from 1991 to 1999, and Maia was the bandleader. Before the band was established, she collaborated with multidisciplined female artists. Maia was a birth worker and educator from 1974 to1989. Her destiny was working and collaborating with women.

I vividly recall attending Maia’s show in Hollywood, California, hosted by Delores Peterkin. Maia’s exceptional originality shone through as she sang, played the flute, and danced with captivating grace. Her beautiful smile and gaze captivated me and the packed audience in some magical place. I was very happy that Maia’s granddaughter, Aanhka extended the invitation to that powerful performance. Aanhka Neal, my adopted godchild, is a rising star, today.

Reconnecting with Maia was an opportunity I seized for a musical project with a multifaceted artist proficient in flute, acting, vibraphone, harp, entrepreneurship, and education. In 2015, I composed Vibe, featuring Jimmy Haslip on bass. I thought it would be great to have live vibes on the track, so I invited Maia to play vibraphone.

Our collaboration took us to Talented Studios in Los Angeles to record under the expertise of radio presenter, saxophonist, and studio engineer Mike Parlett. Working together on my CD New Beginnings (2015) was a delightful experience. Maia’s contribution to the composition set a real vibe to the track.

Maia, what was the collaborative project between you and Dr. Gail Jhonson? New Beginnings CD (2015).

What was the process?

Gail hired women musicians and vocalists to perform her original tunes. We performed our music in a professional setting. We rehearsed the material, then presented it in concert.