African-American Singer Anni Mai Hopes to Release First Reggae Album

As an aspiring singer in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Anni Mai was a big fan of Etta James, Sade and Whitney Houston. In recent years, the African-American artist has developed a fondness for Jamaican music, and hopes to record her first reggae song soon.

Lead singer for Anni Mai & The Rhythm of The Night Fusion Band, she also performs with the Errol Wizdom World Beat Reggae Band, which is led by Jamaican Errol Wizdom.

Naturally, performances with the latter requires her to do some reggae songs, which has deepened her appreciation for that genre.

“I love bringing reggae into our live performances because audiences connect with it instantly. One of the songs we perform is Three Little Birds by Bob Marley, and we blend reggae influences into our soul and fusion sets throughout the night,” Anni Mai disclosed. “I enjoy adding reggae grooves because they bring unity, positivity, and good energy to the crowd.”

Known for its steel industry, Pittsburgh is not a big reggae town. Interestingly, it is where Bob Marley did his last show, on September 23, 1980 at the Stanley Theater.

Anni Mai is drawn to the neo-soul movement which had its genesis in Philadelphia during the 1990s with acts like Musiq Soulchild, The Roots and Jill Scott. But she also likes the music of other reggae singers such as Dennis Brown and Gregory Isaacs.

She is keen to join other female African-American soul singers like Betty Wright and Gwen Guthrie and record reggae songs.

“Reggae is a genre that speaks to my spirit, so recording a reggae-inspired song is something I would love to do in the near future. I think it would be a beautiful blend with my neo-soul style and live band sound,” she said. “I want the music to feel authentic, uplifting, and timeless.”