Haitian-American cellist, singer, and multi-instrumentalist Leyla McCalla performed at the Academy Awards on March 15. She took part in a special musical performance centered around the Oscar-nominated song “I Lied to You,” featured in the film Sinners, directed by Ryan Coogler.
During the sequence, Leyla McCalla joined a group of artists to recreate a dreamlike scene inspired by the film, where different generations of musicians connect across time. She shared the stage with singer Miles Caton and musician Raphael Saadiq, in a performance that highlighted the central role of music in the film’s storytelling. The segment also featured renowned performers including Brittany Howard, Shaboozey, ballerina Misty Copeland, and musicians Eric Gales, Christone “Kingfish” Ingram, Bobby Rush, Alice Smith, and Buddy Guy.
Known for blending diverse influences, Leyla McCalla combines classical training with folk music and Creole traditions. The daughter of Haitian immigrant activists, she grew up in a culturally rich environment that deeply shaped her artistic identity. Her teenage years in Accra also contributed to her musical perspective.
Her career gained major recognition when she joined the Carolina Chocolate Drops, a Grammy Award-winning group. She is also a founding member of Our Native Daughters, a project highlighting the contributions of Black women to American roots music. A multilingual artist, she sings in English, French, and Haitian Creole, and plays the cello, tenor banjo, and guitar.
The film Sinners, starring Michael B. Jordan, dominated this year’s Oscars with sixteen nominations—a record for a single production. It went on to win several awards, including Best Original Screenplay for Ryan Coogler, Best Actor for Michael B. Jordan, Best Cinematography for Autumn Durald Arkapaw, and Best Original Score for Ludwig Göransson.
Leyla McCalla’s presence at this prestigious event highlights the growing influence of Haitian diaspora artists on the global cultural stage. Through her work and unique journey, she continues to showcase the richness of the cultural heritage that shapes her artistic identity.
