SEMAJ C. DOUGLAS

Semaj’s journey into music began in the backseat of her family’s hatchback, where the soulful sounds of Marvin Gaye, Nina Simone, and other R&B greats poured through the speakers during long road trips. Captivated, she would scribble lyrics in her notebook and practice quietly, already envisioning herself one day sharing that same joy with audiences. As a teenager, she began writing her own lyrics, drawing inspiration from the thoughtful storytelling of Lauryn Hill, Outkast, and Eminem.

After earning her BFA in Performance Studies from the University of Illinois, Semaj moved to New York City with a fierce determination to build her career. While bartending at prestigious venues in Tribeca and Manhattan, she immersed herself in the city’s creative scene and formed her first collective, Semaj & The Mad Bad Band. Blending hip-hop, funk, and neo-soul, the eight-piece group quickly developed a loyal following, performing at iconic venues like SOB’s and Knitting Factory. Those experiences not only honed her stage presence but also led to her debut solo EP in 2008, featuring collaborators who have since become acclaimed artists in their own right.

Semaj’s artistry reflects a blend of her roots in both New Orleans and New York. Growing up in New Orleans exposed her to bounce, brass bands, and the celebratory rhythms of second-line culture, while her years in New York deepened her connection to storytelling and social activism. This duality—joyful celebration fused with conscious lyricism—remains at the heart of her music.

Following her time in New York, Semaj returned to New Orleans, where she expanded her sound through Love Evolution, a folk duo that performed at festivals including French Quarter Fest and Treme Fest, even winning a national songwriter competition for a Saints anthem. When both her marriage and the duo came to an end in 2018, she found healing in the blues. What began as therapy transformed into The Blues Experiment Collective, a project dedicated to reimagining traditional blues with fresh, modern perspectives. Along the way, she picked up the harmonica—an instrument rarely spotlighted by Black women in the genre—further distinguishing her voice as a performer and songwriter.

Now as the leader of Semaj & The Blues Experiment and CEO of Maji Melodies Music Group, Semaj continues to push boundaries while staying rooted in soul, storytelling, and authenticity. In 2025, she and her band are poised to make a powerful impact with their high-energy performances and what she proudly calls “good news blues.”