Rising Stars: Meet Jonté Mayon of Memphis/New Orleans

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jonté Mayon

Hi Jonté, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My journey in music started very early, like most soul singers, in the church. I grew up in a very Pentecostal/Baptist (oxymoron, I know lol) household. My parents divorced when I was 2, so I don’t have any memories of them being together. But both my parents were extremely musical people. My mother took the reins early. She formed a singing group (one of many) that consisted of my siblings and I. I sang in that group and many church and community choirs well into my teens. I got my first taste of the “big stage” singing with my siblings at the 1984 World’s Fair. Six years later I would go on to acquire a supporting role in the off Broadway “Mama I want to Sing Part II” as Little Doris. By 1992, at the age of 12, I was touring Japan with the aforementioned play and new adaptation “Mama I want to sing, The Whole story”. There were many highs and lows between. A volatile marriage at 19 that produced 2 beautiful children. A messy divorce. Now Mama’s gotta make some moves! So, I sang everywhere and with everyone! Lol In 2004, I signed a deal with Warner London Records. It changed my life! I traveled back and forth to the U.K. with my children, for the next three years. But as luck does, mine ran out. Hurricane Katrina happened but luckily, I had a little to start over again. It didn’t last long. Still, I recorded, worked and even had a short stint on “Sunday Best” season 3. I decided my last hope was to get a cruise ship gig. And to my utter surprise, I got the job right out of the audition. I was contracted to be lead female vocalist with the B. B. King Allstar Band on Holland America Cruises. in 2016, right after that contract, I landed the same position in the New Orleans location. After a 2 year run, I took one more cruise contract. When I got back this time, I was given the same position in the Memphis Club. It was just as well, I had already fallen in love with Memphis… and one of it’s musicians. I got married and had a beautiful little boy. I’ve found joy, peace, fulfillment and unconditional love in my journey. Going through it was tough but so much music has come from it all. I’m proud of my past. I learned from it all. I know that I wouldn’t be who I am or have the joy I have without the trials. Best part is, I’m still growing, still learning, still exploring this beautiful language called music.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Yep! An abusive marriage. Divorce. Single parenting with literally no help from the “Minister” father. Loss of record contract. Hurricane Katrina took everything! And everything related to being broke too often. Lol

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a singer/songwriter/performer. I specialize in Soul, gospel and pop. But if you need a little Jazz, I can do that too. I am most proud of being a mother and not being completely nuts. Lol I can admit, I am a little nuts. But if we’re judging by some the the things I’ve experienced and endured, I should be COMPLETELY out of my mind. Lol I think the one thing that sets me apart from others is… there’s truly only one me. And I’m still evolving. I make it a point to be true to myself, with integrity. But also, give myself a little grace when I flub up. I really only aspire to be the best me… cause that’s really all you can do, right.?

Do you any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
My favorite childhood memory may be a few meshed into one. But I remember learning music with my siblings. My mama teaching parts. I was so young, I remember sitting on top of our tiny kitchen table with ease. I think I may have been around 4 years old.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jonte_mayon?igsh=N243MmxtNHR6OW9s&utm_source=qr
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/15z4FtBLAj/?mibextid=wwXIfr
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@foxyhoneybee?si=Jpxrj75y7F5iyKEq