We were lucky to catch up with MAJOR MAYES recently and have shared our conversation below.
MAJOR, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.
I started my journey young at the age of 2 years old, my first inspiration was playing the drums. I wanted to play the drums because I saw other musicians playing at church and concerts and I was inspired by the way it made me feel happy.
Ever since that day I have found influence by musicians and I’ve learned about myself through the years by observing visually. I learned the melodies when bands played and also which symbols were to be hit for specific songs. I then started practicing with the drummers and eventually I possessed the talent to play drums, now I get invited to events and showcases to perform with a band or sometimes as a soloist.
When I was 5 years old. I discovered that not only do I have a big voice while at play, but I can sing! I started singing in the choir, on the bus and at school plays. I became so good at having a unique sound people started to book me at churches not to just play the drums, but to also sing harmonic solos. This passion gives me the most confidence when I am in a prestigious room.
At the age of 6 years old. I was introduced to Micheal Jacksons music and instantly became a fan. The way he had discipline in the Jackson 5. The background of his story was detrimental, yet inspiring. He had dance moves and a sound that wouldn’t quit. He was essentric in his gift. My parents seen my interest in the celebrity and began to invest in fan gear for me to play and perform in. When I got older I kept the momentum of being a Micheal Jackson impersonator. I now perform weekly at multiple entertainment zones here in Louisville, Ky (where I am from).
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I am a neurodivergent that has learned to place pain and confusion in a place that wasn’t home to my emotions and developed a passion to be an entertainer. This has not only helped me develop skill in my dance moves, but also in my social skills and mental development. I want to ensure I get supported the right way and not just support out of pity. I have worked hard to develop myself in my craft.
Michael Jackson has been the biggest influence to date. I was never able to meet him in real life, but I do want to be one of the talents that pushes his legacy with respect. I plan to perform more in schools for pep rally’s as well as travel the road internationally. Until then I will continue to perform for 21 Majestics annual FAB (fashion, art and beauty show), karaoke at Joe’s Palmroom, The GRUV, Club Cedar in Louisville, KY and dance with my group called, “Prestige”.
I can be found on multiple social media platforms:
Facebook: Major Mayes/Majorfresh Mayes
Instagram: @themajorfreshexperience
TikTok: Themajorfreshexperience
I look forward to gaining followers and the attention of fellow peers that face going against the grain of being what some may call different or on the spectrum. I am seeking this opportunity to maximize awareness for talented individuals that are gifted like me.
What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?
There are times where I feel down and inadequate of my talent. Receiving calls from supporters and being included in outside activities outside of the places I perform. Sometimes they will come and see me and speak words of encouragement to me.
I feel best when people come out to karaoke nights. I feel the safe and supported when people come out and interact.
The last thing i’d like to address is how to understand neurodivergent behavior. There are so many conditions when it comes to getting to know Neurodivergent individuals. You have some with autism (like myself), ADHD, ADD, anxiety etc. Sometimes we get looked at in a negative light and not asked the right questions about being a neurodivergent. It is important to see us in a more delicate light. We don’t like questions being asked, but do need to give knowledge of how to interact with us. I wish there was more awareness that was more out loud to help educate those that are willing to know about my community. I look forward to the day myself and people alike are treated with love and understanding. It is not easy for an average person to showcase their talent, so we share equality in that space alone. On a positive note. Neurodivergents are getting recognized on bigger platforms and that gives me hope that I can be just like them on the big screen.
We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?
I started getting popular on my personal profile page posting dance performances and doing cover songs from artist I find inspiration in (Mint Condition, Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson etc.). Once I grew a big enough audience. I then created a fan page called “The Major Fresh Experience”. This page has grown and developed a lot of support in my journey to be an impersonator of my influence “Michael Jackson”. It made it easy to campaign for A-list artist ‘Ciara’. Her competition was in search for, “The Next Dance Icon”. I stayed at the #1 spot in my group making it into the semi-finals. The competition was in high demand. I didn’t make it to the finals, but I had a great experience working my way through each challenge and gaining more support from the project. This will be something very memorable for my portfolio.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_major_fresh_experience/profilecard/?igsh=cXEzYjgzY3RueDZu
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maj.mayes.1?mibextid=wwXIfr&mibextid=wwXIfr
- Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@themajorfreshexperience?_t=ZT-8xNEC5POko9&_r=1
Image Credits
Angel Mayes, Mother
Austina Smith, Public Relations Strategist
Family Members