Don’t Give Up: Following Your Artistic Calling with Naila Keleta-Mae

In this episode of Living on the B Side, I sit down with musician, scholar, and multidisciplinary artist Naila Keleta-Mae to talk about her latest album I’m Grateful, which has gained international recognition. We explore the vulnerability and joy of sharing music with the world, the creative process behind songwriting, and how reggae, spoken word, and other musical traditions shape her art. Naila reflects on music’s unique ability to cross boundaries, inspire, and connect people in ways that go beyond words. This conversation is a deep dive into artistic expression, black expressive culture, and the courage it takes to create and share your work with honesty and heart. Episode HighlightsIn this episode, we explore:How music can reach spaces and hearts that other art forms cannotChoosing songs and creating playlists as a tool for emotional alignment and wellbeingSongwriting as a practice of expressing complex truths in short, powerful momentsNaila’s personal reflections on artistic calling, vulnerability, and her “Don’t give up” message for creators and communitiesConnect with Naila Keleta-Maewww.nailakeletamae.comhttps://www.instagram.com/nailakeletamae/ https://www.facebook.com/nailakeletamae. https://www.tiktok.com/@nailakeletamae. https://www.linkedin.com/in/naila-keleta-mae-3b88943b/ Reflection QuestionWhen have you felt called to create or express something, even if it felt vulnerable or uncertain, and how did you respond?About the PodcastLiving on the B Side is a podcast about the power of music — exploring how sound shapes our emotions, stories, and sense of self. Host B shares conversations and reflections for those who listen deeply and live thoughtfully.