Mya, a Grammy-winning singer and accomplished film actress, first gained recognition as a dancer during her teenage years before making her mark in the music and entertainment industries. Born Mya Marie Harrison on October 10, 1979, she was raised in a Washington, DC suburb. From a young age, Mya showed promise in dance, beginning lessons at just four years old. By the time she was ten, she had joined the dynamic dance group T.W.A., short for Tappers With Attitude.
Her talent didn’t go unnoticed. During a workshop led by famed choreographer Savion Glover, Mya impressed him so much that she was invited to train at the prestigious Dance Theater of Harlem. Her flair for improvisation stood out, and at age 14, Glover even featured her in a solo performance at the Kennedy Center — a significant milestone in her early career.
While continuing to build her dance resume with appearances on BET’s “Teen Summit,” which aired from 1989 to 2002, Mya also began exploring her vocal abilities. Encouraged by her father, who was a musician himself, she recorded a demo that ultimately led to a record deal with Interscope Records when she was just 17. Her self-titled debut album, Mya, released in 1998, sold an impressive 1.5 million copies and featured the hit single “It’s All About Me,” a collaboration with R&B singer Sisqo that landed in the top ten.
That same year, she contributed to the Grammy-nominated track “Ghetto Superstar” by Pras and recorded “Take Me There” with Mase, which was included in the soundtrack for the animated film The Rugrats Movie. Her onscreen debut came in 1999 with the film In Too Deep, a gritty thriller starring Omar Epps and L.L. Cool J.
Mya’s journey from a young dancer in Washington to a multi-talented star in both music and film has been marked by determination, versatility, and undeniable talent.
When it comes to Mýa’s career highlights, one standout moment definitely comes from her role in Chicago (2002), which remains her highest rated film to date. The movie was a major success, earning critical acclaim and showcasing Mýa’s talent on a big stage. Fans and critics alike praised her performance, and it’s no surprise that this project became a defining point in her journey. On the other hand, Mýa also faced some challenges—her film Cover (2007) received much more mixed reactions and ended up being her lowest rated movie so far. While every artist has ups and downs, Mýa continues to be respected for her versatility across music and film. Still, if you’re looking at Mýa’s filmography, Chicago (2002) clearly shines the brightest, while Cover (2007) serves as a reminder of the risks that come with creative choices. Overall, Mýa’s body of work reflects growth, resilience, and undeniable artistry.