Maria Isa
Born and raised in the Twin Cities to Nuyorican parents, singer/songwriter/emcee Maria Isa learned at an early age the traditional Puerto Rican rhythms of Bomba and Plena. At the age of 14, she realized that she could fuse her love for Hip-Hop and R&B with her Latin roots. She recalls, "It made me feel at home! My family didn't just listen to one style of music. Now, through combining all of the musical elements that I love, & weaving in stories of the past, I invite everyone to push the boundaries, honoring and uniting all cultures."
Beginning her arts education at El Arco Iris Center for the Arts in 1992, Maria quickly progressed from the role of student to the role of singer, songwriter, emcee and performer, cranking out several hits and playing to a sold-out First Avenue crowd in Minneapolis for her now-historic CD release, Street Politics. She has been featured on the cover of Twin Cities Metro and other major magazines, nominated for a Minnesota Music "Best Hip-Hop Artist" Award, and will be recognized as a 2010 Rising Star by the National Hispaña Leadership Institute for her outstanding work with Youth Thrive on behalf of incarcerated youth throughout the Twin Cities, as well as her involvement with Peace Jam on behalf of Nobel Peace Prize laureates.
To date, Maria’s music has reached audiences around the world, including Asia and the United Kingdom, Latin America, the United States, and Puerto Rico. With a rich, colorful sound reminiscent of the legendary vocal masters, Maria's music mirrors the universal emotions of the human experience. Whether she is at one moment falling in love, at another losing a loved one, or simply rocking a summertime after-party, she brings a sensory-rich performance the masses can relate to. From the International bazaar stage at the MN State Fair, to the theater stage as Mimi in RENT, to New York’s BMI Latin Alternative Music Conference showcase at SOB’s, Maria’s sound is as versatile as it is refreshing.
Her independent label, Sotarico, proves that the world is ready to honor history, celebrate cultural pride, and develop power in the community. Maria Isa truly is a snapshot of the next phase of lyrical and musical genre-bending experimentation.
Through the rhythm of the drum and the bass of the speakers, Maria Isa represents the IMAGE of today’s young woman. Fusing her creatively upbeat music, dynamic leadership qualities, and magnetic personality, she unites people across differences, bringing style AND substance that moves body, soul, and mind.
