The Power of Music and Purpose with Maya Azucena

Guest: Maya Azucena, Award-Winning Recording Artist, Cultural Ambassador, and Humanitarian

Host: Dr. Allen Lycka

Introduction

Dr. Allen Lycka welcomes the phenomenal Maya Azucena, an award-winning recording artist, cultural ambassador, and humanitarian. Maya has toured over 40 countries, using her music to unite, inspire, and drive social change.

The Journey into Music

Maya shares how she always knew she was an artist from a young age. She studied opera and classical vocal training in high school, later forming her own band and starting her recording journey.

Global Impact: Touring the World

Maya discusses her mindset of seeing the world as a market, which led her to collaborate internationally. She explains how she became a cultural ambassador for the U.S. State Department, touring Myanmar, the Philippines, China, and Sri Lanka to promote American culture through music.

Featured Song: "I Am Enough"

Dr. Lycka introduces Maya’s song, "I Am Enough," from her latest album. Maya reveals that the song began from feelings of inadequacy but transformed into a declaration of self-worth. She emphasizes the importance of recognizing one's own value without external validation.

The Transformative Power of Music

Maya reflects on how performing worldwide has shown her that music connects people beyond language. Whether in Suriname, Tanzania, or the Kingdom of Lesotho, audiences respond similarly, proving that music highlights shared humanity.

A Defining Moment in Honduras

Maya recalls a powerful experience performing in Honduras during a political coup. She describes how her concert brought people together, diffusing tensions and inspiring hope. Audience members later shared how the performance helped them through dark times.

Collaborations with Global Icons

Maya shares her unexpected collaboration with Stephen Marley, son of Bob Marley. Through a series of introductions, she was invited to record in Jamaica at the legendary Tuff Gong Studios, performing Nina Simone songs in reggae style. The project ultimately won a Grammy for Best Reggae Album.

Music, Activism, and Purpose

Unlike the traditional concept of "giving back," Maya integrates humanitarian work with her music. She is passionate about social issues, particularly domestic and sexual violence, as a survivor herself.

Living a Fantastic Life

Maya defines living a fantastic life as aligning one's work with personal passion. She encourages listeners to identify what they love and integrate it into their daily lives, whether as a career or a regular pursuit.

Words to Her Younger Self

Maya shares the advice she would give to a younger version of herself: “You are a queen. Don’t listen to those who don’t believe in you.” She emphasizes self-confidence and self-love.

Where to Find Maya Azucena

Maya invites listeners to connect with her via her website www.MayaAzucena.com and to explore her latest recordings, masterclass, and upcoming book.

BIO:

Maya Azucena is an award-winning recording artist and humanitarian known for her versatile, soulful voice. She has toured 40+ countries, collaborated with global artists, and uses her platform to empower women and youth worldwide. Recognized for her power and ability to cross musical genres, Maya is more than just an accomplished artist; she's a cultural ambassador, public speaker, writer, event producer and a force for social change. With numerous awards and accolades to her name, Maya's impact resonates far beyond the stage. Maya has been celebrated for her ability to connect with people of many cultural backgrounds, bring people together, and highlight important causes by effectively reminding people of our shared human experience.

Social Media:

IG: @mayaazucena

TikTok: @FearlessMayaAzucena

Website: www.MayaAzucena.com

"I Am Enough" Course: https://i-am-enough-masterclass.squarespace.com/