At 44, R&B Singer Mya Reveals the Real Reasons Behind Her Disappearance from the Spotlight

Mya Harrison, known simply as Mya, was once a dominant force in the late 1990s and early 2000s R&B scene. With hits like “Lady Marmalade” (alongside Christina Aguilera, Lil’ Kim, and Pink) and “It’s All About Me” with Dru Hill, Mya seemed destined for a long-lasting mainstream career.

She even found success as an actress, appearing in films such as “Chicago” (2002) and “Shall We Dance” (2004). Yet, just as her star was rising, Mya seemed to vanish from the public eye.

Despite her disappearance from mainstream headlines, Mya never stopped making music. She continued releasing albums, including her 2018 independent project “TKO.”

In interviews, Mya has been candid about the freedom she feels as an independent artist, stating, “I don’t have the pressures of meeting charts or sales. That can make you go gray.” Even after a Grammy nomination in 2017, she chose to keep a low profile, content with life outside the intense spotlight.

A major turning point came after a legal dispute with her former record label. Her fourth album, “Liberation,” was accidentally released early in some markets due to repeated delays.

Instead of engaging in a drawn-out legal battle, Mya decided to go independent, founding her own label, Planet 9, in 2008. Since then, she’s enjoyed new opportunities and greater control over her career, traveling the world and connecting with fans in places she’d never visited as a major label artist.

Mya describes herself as a “hustler,” managing every aspect of her career, from performing and teaching to philanthropy and running her vegan wine company, Planet 9 Fine Wine. She’s passionate about vegetarianism and credits her lifestyle for positive changes in her life.

While she occasionally appears on television—such as her stint on “Dancing With the Stars” in 2009—she prefers to remain behind the scenes, handling logistics, administration, and her business ventures personally.

Despite embracing modern music distribution, Mya still enjoys selling physical CDs directly to fans, finding joy in signing boxes of albums. She maintains an active social media presence, using her platforms to share updates and promote her causes.

Mya’s personal life also reflects her independent spirit. She’s spoken openly about enjoying solitude, spending Valentine’s Day with her dog and fans, and growing from past relationships.

Her journey to veganism followed a difficult breakup, leading to a renewed focus on self-care and personal growth.

Throughout her career, Mya has avoided tabloid drama and rumors, choosing privacy over publicity. She’s expressed a belief in soulmates but keeps her romantic life mostly private. In 2020, she playfully “married herself” in a music video, symbolizing self-love and independence.

Financial challenges are part of her journey as an independent artist, from funding studio time to handling marketing and legal fees. Mya has downsized her lifestyle, living simply to focus on her art.

Now 44, Mya is proof that stepping away from the spotlight doesn’t mean fading away. She’s created her own universe—Planet 9—where she continues to thrive on her own terms, inspiring fans with her authenticity and resilience.

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