We’re thrilled to continue spotlighting the creative team for Aves – Autta + Ino + Mel with MOZIAH, who plays MESSENGER. We asked MOZIAH a few questions based on Rebecca Ana Peña’s powerful new play, which you can learn more about here.

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Let’s say you decide to establish a new religion: what or who would you put at the center?

I think I’d put accepting uncertainty at the center! There’s so much that we really don’t know; and it would be nice to have a religion which encourages that in the forefront. I think more acceptance on what hasn’t actually been confirmed can help us hang our hats on what’s certain.

What do you do when you need to express some rage?

I’ll let myself sing, stretch, or call a trusted friend about the situation. But most times, I write. I’ll outline what happened, how I felt presently about it, maybe make a plan on how I’d like to move forward. 

Oftentimes it’s in the form of a journal entry; but sometimes it’ll take the form of potential song lyrics or story ideas. I believe in prioritizing the space you have to process your emotions if you can. Anything to complete the stress cycle. (shoutout ‘Burnout’ by Emily and Amelia Nagowski)

Tell me something wonderful about girlhood (either from experience, or observation).

Growing up, I really loved the female friendships my older sister had. She was part of this youth chapter of this black professional sorority (Phi Delta Kappa); and I admired the way her friends from it support each other to this day. It felt like her community held space for emotions, expression, and vulnerability; and as a teenage boy navigating so many messages about masculinity, that was impactful. It almost felt radical, and I consider myself very lucky to have that kind of friendship modeled when I did.

If you had the power to glimpse the future, would you? What would you try to see?

Listen, my impulse is to say no. But, I’ll admit it’s 𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘵𝘵𝘺 tempting. Nowadays, success for me is doing what I need to when I need to do it; so if I could have some context on what could insure that for my family and I, why not? (Though I’m not trying to be Biff Tannen from Back To The Future Part Two. No sir.)

Anything coming up you want to tell us about?

I want to shout out incoming new music! My co-producer Greg Tock and I just finished a group of songs that deal with grief, growing up, and cherishing what one has while they have it. It’s been gratifying to put this project together; and I can’t wait to share it.

MOZIAH (he/him) is honored to be a part of bringing this story to life. Regional Credit: ‘RAISIN’ at Axelrod Performing Arts Center (Asagai) Television Credits: ‘Pokemon Sun and Moon: Ultra Legends,’ Netflix’s ‘Insiders’ (English Dub), Too Hot To Handle: Brazil (English Dub) As a recording artist and producer, MOZIAH has gained millions of streams on all major platforms; partnered with brands such as Headspace, HyperX, and Story Pirates, and has made festival appearances at SXSW and Austin City Limits Music Festival. MOZIAH is a proud alum of SCVTHS Performing Arts Program and NYU Tisch School of Drama.

Follow MOZIAH:

• www.moziah.net
• @moziah.jpg
• Follow ‘MOZIAH’ on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, wherever they listen to music.