An Interview With

Naila Keleta-Mae

SEASON 6 | EPISODE 110 | 18 FEB 2026

Don’t Give Up: Following Your Artistic Calling with Naila Keleta-Mae

Exploring Music, Creative Courage & the Power of Vulnerability

About this Episode

Naila Keleta-Mae joins me to explore her album I’m Grateful and the transformative power of music. We dive into songwriting, reggae influences, and the ways music can cross boundaries and touch spaces words alone can’t reach. A heartfelt conversation about artistic vulnerability, creativity, and the courage to answer your calling.

In this episode we talk about:

  • How music can reach places and hearts that other art forms can’t
  • The challenges and joys of songwriting as a way to express deep truths
  • Different art forms for different emotions—poetry, theater, and music
  • Naila’s message of persistence: “Don’t give up on yourself, your communities, or your creative calling”

 

Whether you’re a musician, music-lover, or someone seeking reflection and inspiration, this episode offers insight, encouragement, and a quiet reminder of how music connects us.

 

Listen to the Episode

🎧 Spotify | 🍎 Apple Podcasts | ▶️ YouTube

 
 

Meet Naila Keleta-Mae

Naila Keleta Mae is a musician, poet, scholar, and researcher specializing in black expressive culture, race, gender, and performance. Mother and multi-disciplinary artist with background in journalism.

Connect with Naila Keleta-Mae

 

 

Stay Connected

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