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Mahalia: “This project has primarily shown me to confront my fears: to dive in wholeheartedly, even if it might lead to some hurt.”

Mahalia: “This project has primarily shown me to confront my fears: to dive in wholeheartedly, even if it might lead to some hurt.”

      "The first time I danced in Jamaica, I was utterly captivated by the women, their confidence, and the sensuality in the way they moved and in the music. It was incredibly inspiring." In 'Luvergirl,' you collaborate with a remarkable lineup of featured artists. While you're familiar with collaborations, how did you choose who was the right match for this clearly-defined project? It wasn't intentional to have only Jamaican artists; it just happened naturally because of the music and inspirations I was consuming – it felt right. Ultimately, it came down to selecting those I believed would best enhance the project. All the artists on 'Luvergirl' are among my personal favorites, so having them featured felt like realizing multiple dreams. When you announced 'Luvergirl,' you expressed: “Falling in doesn’t frighten me, falling out doesn’t frighten me, and the pain doesn’t frighten me. Instead, it inspires me.” Many would love to have such a mindset; how did you arrive at this point? How do you handle self-sabotaging tendencies that can arise in love? Probably through therapy, but also by being honest: I've always been very straightforward about my feelings, even at times when I perhaps shouldn't have been. I’ve always had a wonderful relationship with my mom, sharing all my teenage stories and now as an adult, her stories about love have inspired me to create my own experiences. She’s the original LUVERGIRL. As you age, do you feel your approach to romantic situations has changed? If so, how? I definitely approach romantic situations differently now; they don't seem as serious. Of course, I am searching for my life partner, but I'm also enjoying the journey and fun with everyone who comes along before that. My life motto is that I have one opportunity, so I want to live it well, which includes loving well too. What does being a ‘luvergirl’ signify for you? What are its key traits? I believe it’s about having an open heart—whatever that signifies to you. For me, it’s being deeply in love with the way I love and how I wish to be loved. Being a luvergirl also deepens my appreciation for the essence of girlhood. Rekindling love for my friends and investing time in those relationships is a vital part of this lifestyle. The final track of the EP, ‘Farewell (Pretty Jamaica),’ serves as a heartfelt tribute to your late Nanny Pearl. How has creating ‘Luvergirl’ shaped your understanding of identity, place, and music? What lessons do you believe this project has imparted? This project has primarily taught me to be fearless: to dive in completely, even if there's a risk of pain. My relationship with identity is continually evolving, and I look forward to what lies ahead. I'm eager to spend more time in Jamaica, more moments at my grandma’s house, and to discover who Mahalia is at this stage in my life.

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Mahalia: “This project has primarily shown me to confront my fears: to dive in wholeheartedly, even if it might lead to some hurt.”

After experiencing a personal “metamorphosis,” Mahalia returns with her new EP ‘Luvergirl’—a heartfelt and joyful exploration of embracing life and love fully.