MMDsyr- Meet the Musicians - Queena
The public is invited to join the worldwide celebration of Make Music Day on Tuesday, June 21, 2022 in Syracuse. Make Music Day is a one-day event where free, live musical performances, opportunities to make music, and other musical events take place around the world on the longest day of the year. Musical festivities in Syracuse, New York inspired by France’s Fête de la Musique.
Local musicians will join musicians from around the world in more than 1,000 cities to celebrate the love of music and making music together. One of those musicians is Mwelwa Deborah Bwalya. We asked each of our musicians about their love for music. Learn more about Mwelwa Deborah Bwalya below.
What is your name?
Mwelwa Deborah Bwalya
What is your band’s name, how many are in your band?
Theroyalqueenas - Queena
Where are you from?
I was born in Kitwe, Zambia.
I immigrated in 1996- via the American Lottery.
What kind of music do you perform/what instruments do you play?
My voice is my instrument
I am a Producer & Audio Engineer.
When did you start performing/playing/singing? What got you into music?
I started singing in church - my elementary teach Ms. Katy McGowan always inspired me. Along with Alice Dickerson my choir director. They taught me how to believe in what was inside of me. I am zambian song bird. Always singing. Its oxygen to me.
Are there any musicians who inspire you? What qualities do you admire about them?
Kelly Clarkson inspires me because she has been driven and committed to her passion of singing. You can tell its not about money. It's about something so much bigger. She has made me believe its important to dream. Our greatest songs often come from a place of pain.
If your fans could remember one thing about you/your band, what would it be?
I truly LOVE what I do! I'm having fun!
Describe your favorite venue for performing.
I have a few dream venues I hope to grace…. "Syracuse "wireless" Dome and the Landmark theater. I like a intimate setting so it feels personal.
Tell me about your favorite performance in your career.
I was invited to sing Amazing Grace for a family friend who was being honoured at the Crouse Hinds Theater. I was so overjoyed. I remember singing for the family friend in their backyard. For this special moment he chose to include me.
What's the best piece of advice another musician ever gave you?
Never Give Up! The best has yet to come. If there is anything you would like to add about yourself or your band, please feel free to do so.
Mwelwa Deborah Bwalya "Queena" will perform at:
Wildflowers Armory, 217 S. Salina Street @ 2pm
Inner Harbor Amphitheater @ 5pm
On Social Media
IG @theroyalqueena
TikTok @theroyalqueena
READ ABOUT THE MUSICIANS FOR MAKE MUSIC DAY SYRACUSE
SEE THE FULL SCHEDULE and LOCATION OF PERFORMANCES