NOVA Y. PAYTON is delighted to grace the stage with the other women of 3 Mo’ Divas. A native of Washington, DC, this breathtaking songstress is known for her vibrant performances, stretching the vocal boundaries of Classical, R&B, Jazz and today’s Neo-soul. As a child, Nova discovered her zeal for music, dance and theater as she experienced the dynamic musical gift of her mother’s voice, singing in Leon Roberts and Roberts’ Revival. More specifically, at the age of 12, Nova became a member of Roberts’ Revival and began to credit her versatility to one of her first musical influences in piano and singing, the late Leon C. Roberts. Payton later went on to study at The American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York City. At AMDA, her vocal abilities were broadened to Classical music, where she studied under Donna Reid, followed by tutelage under Derek W. Campbell. Nova has been very active in her home church at St. Martin’s Catholic Church of Washington, DC.  She is the favored director of the children’s choir and the creator of her own ensemble, Favour.

Nova’s full-scale tour has included stops in over 150 major cities across the U.S., as well as Canada, Saudi Arabia and Australia. She has been seen performing in: Leiber and Stoller’s Smokey Joe’s Café as B.J.; Ain’t Misbehavin’ as Nell; Black Nativity; Malik Yoba’s Acoustic Chocolate; 8-Track-The Sounds of the ‘70s; J’s Jook Joint; and starred in a soul-stirring rendition of Effie White in Dreamgirls, which garnered her the nomination for a 2006 Barrymore Award for Best Lead Actress in a Musical. Nova’s unforced passion has given her the opportunity to work with an array of A-list artists such as Stevie Wonder, Ashford & Simpson, Yolanda Adams, Karen Clark-Sheard, IMX, Hezekiah Walker, Freddie Jackson, Will Downing and others.

She is currently working with Roberta Flack as a background singer, where she is being featured on Ms. Flack’s upcoming CD entitled, “Roberta Flack Presents Real Artists Symposium”.  Nova’s other highlights include her recent honored selection to be the voice behind the recording for the National Council of Negro Women, singing the words to Mary McLeod Bethune’s Legacy; the diligent choreography of St. Martin’s choirs’ debut CD, “Have Faith”; her own recording, “Christmas in Harmony, Vol. I”; and most recent, her up and coming LP, which shows her vocal expertise in songs colored with a mixture of R&B, Pop, Inspiration and Jazz. From the altar to the world, experience this inspiring, rare find. Nova likes to thank God, Family, Raf, and Jason!

 

BIO | PHOTOS