Afro Opera Production hosts cultural celebration for Juneteenth
- Isis Climes
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
Maiya Stevenson celebrates Juneteenth by hosting “Songs of the Soil, Songs of the Soul — an Afro Opera Production Experience,” a cultural performance where music takes center stage.
The concert will take place from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday, June 14, 2026, at the Tampa Heights Junior Civic Association, 2005 N. Lamar Ave., Tampa, FL. Tickets range from $10 for children to $60 for VIP admission, plus a cash bar featuring gourmet desserts.
This upcoming Juneteenth, Stevenson sets out to host a concert that highlights its significance and features international talent.
Audience members will experience a musical journey through the African diaspora. Featured guest artists Andrew Egbuchiem, a Nigerian countertenor; piano accompanist Aina Olonade of Ghana; and soloist dancer Katurah Robinson will grace the stage with their orchestrative showcase and choreographed renditions.
The show will open with Egbuchiem’s operatic selections in his native language. The program will transition into spirituals sung by soprano Stevenson, followed by a reflection on the history of slavery and oppression by Robinson. The concert will conclude with a celebration of liberation that features Kuumba Dancers ~ Drummers.
“The purpose of it is to be able to expose, educate, and enlighten a variety of community members to the beauty [that] fine arts entail,” said Stevenson. “Also, to expose the contributions African Americans play within the fine arts. We have a place in these rooms as well.”
Stevenson is the founder of Afro Opera Production, a company dedicated to honoring diversity in classical music by “showcasing works from underrepresented composers,” while intertwining captivating storytelling performances to inspire audiences from different walks of life.
“Music is an international language. It has no race. It has no gender, but what it does have is purpose and emotion that is open for everyone to take part in and explore,” said Stevenson.
June 19, also known as Juneteenth, is the historical date on which federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, in 1865 to take control of the state and ensure the freedom of all enslaved people. Their arrival was more than two years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation. On June 17, 2021, Juneteenth became a federal holiday.
“Juneteenth is a reminder of how African Americans overcame obstacles and challenges, and continue to do so to this day,” said Stevenson.
Stevenson said she hopes the concert gives people motivation and exposes them to “Black excellence.”
“The importance of seeing and hearing black voices in this genre of music is proof of overcoming obstacles and stereotypes. It dares other Black little boys and Black little girls to be different, and reminds them that they are worthy of presenting themselves confidently in elegant spaces,” explained Stevenson.
You can purchase tickets on her website in anticipation of next week’s event.
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