Today we’d like to introduce you to Gracey Mae.
Hi Gracey, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Before becoming a prominent executive in African music, I was definitely a feline – I’ve had 9 lives.
My eight other lives included practicing law, working in a hair salon, being agency staff at events, performing at weddings for 5 years with a gospel choir, launching a successful wedding planning business which ran for 9 years, founding the UK’s largest wedding fair for Africans and Caribbeans, working in IT as a Project Manager and SCRUM Master, I’ve literally done everything! At the time, I would’ve never thought that all of that experience and skills would align perfectly to lead me to exactly where I needed to be. I definitely wouldn’t be who I am without my corporate, entrepreneur, and agency experience.
Becoming the UK’s number 1 female Afrobeats Journalist started so randomly! I caught the Rihanna bug and shaved off a quarter of my hair before going full Mohawk; then I did the big chop. My bald-headed photo went viral, so to manage the replies, I created a YouTube channel curating natural hair content. Eight years ago, Sone, the owner of Westside Radio, stumbled on my content and offered me a show. I started off in Hip-Hop and R’n’B before transitioning into Afrobeats and African music.
I’ve hosted the Afronation show since 2018. Broadcasting birthed my journalist career! From interviewing on air to interview in print, I’ve had the chance to share the stories of 250+ musicians across TV, Radio, Pop Magazines, Podcasting, YouTube, Playlisting, and more! My pieces cover the greats such as Davido, Olamide, Tiwa Savage, Yemi Alade, Sarkodie, Stonebwoy, Fuse ODG, and D’Banj. As well as the new school such as Tems, Fireboy DML, CKay, Joeboy, Oxlade, Ayra Starr, Ruger, and Adekunle Gold.
In addition to this, I spread the gospel of Afrobeats as a member of the Grammys, BRITs, and MOBO awards where I champion representation and diversity.
Amplifying African Arts doesn’t end there – I’m also a music publicist to the stars. As the CEO of MAE, I currently represent Bob Marley, Oxlade, Bella Shmurda, and King Perryy. I focus on strategically breaking artists into new territories. This has blossomed into a beautiful career as a music executive covering A&R, Branding, Consulting, and Management.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I’m often the only female or Black person in the room. That comes with its own set of misogyny, racism, and stereotypes, but the hurdles have made the journey worth it. I’ve mastered my voice and set my own trajectory. I own my juxtaposition: I’m soft but firm, I’m friendly but boundaried, I’m lighthearted but deep.
They’ve been times where I’ve suffered from green eye but now, I am content knowing that my path is set before me, I’m in my own lane, my journey is unique and what’s for me is already mine.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
I run MAE: a PR and Marketing management and consultancy firm specializing in music from Africa and the Diaspora. We “amplify the artist and magnify the sound” by creating visibility and connecting artists with fans leveraging our 5 Ps Approach: Promotion, Publications, Press, Playlisting, and Placement.
We operate globally with experts in the UK, Nigeria, and South Africa. Our clients currently include Island Records, Bob Marley, Oxlade, Bella Shmurda, and King Perryy.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
I visited Houston for the first time in February (2023), and I loved everything about the city! From the views from the Post to the great BBQ and steak, to the Waterwall. I’ll definitely be back
Contact Info:
- Website: graceymae.com
- Instagram: @_graceymae
- Twitter: @_graceymae
- Yelp: Mae-mcg.com
- Other: Tiktok: @_graceymae
Image Credits
Lore Folami Ayedun
