Bioneers 2026 Conference

Amikaeyla Gaston

Amikaeyla Gaston

Hailed by NPR as one of the “purest contemporary voices,” Amikaeyla stands as a transformative force in modern music and healing arts. Her remarkable journey from surviving a hate crime to becoming an International Hero for Peace exemplifies the transformative power of voice that defines her work today. As founder and director of the International Cultural Arts and Healing Sciences Institute, she has pioneered the revolutionary “Music As Medicine” methodology, now embraced by leading institutions including the United Nations High Commission on Refugees, Department of Health & Human Services, and The American Psychological Association.

A virtuosic vocalist and master teacher, Amikaeyla’s extraordinary artistry has earned her twelve WAMMY Awards for Best Jazz, World, and Urban Contemporary Vocalist. Her dynamic stage presence and versatile musicianship have led to collaborations with legendary artists including Bobby McFerrin, Pete Seeger, Wyclef, Dave Matthews, Esperanza Spalding, and Sheila E. As artistic director of the award-winning Voices of A Dream ensemble, she recently achieved a monumental triumph directing a 500-voice World Choir for the President and World Congress of Traditional Religious Leaders in Kazakhstan.

Amikaeyla’s groundbreaking work in musical healing and cultural diplomacy has garnered prestigious honors including the United Nations Global Woman Award, the Voss Foundation Emerging Leaders Award, and the International Hero for Peace and Forgiveness award. Her expertise in traditional healing modalities and musical anthropology culminated in a historic Golden Buddha performance at the personal invitation of His Holiness the Dalai Lama in India.

Her influence extends far beyond traditional performance venues through appearances on PBS, HBO, and at the Sundance Film Festival. Through her innovative masterclasses and workshops, she draws from African-American, Caribbean, Cuban, Hawaiian, Haitian, and Brazilian traditions to unlock the transformative power of voice. Her unique methodology combines advanced vocal technique with healing arts practices, establishing her as one of the most sought-after vocal coaches and cultural ambassadors in contemporary music.

As a global advocate for peace and healing through music, Amikaeyla continues to demonstrate how vocal mastery can transcend cultural boundaries and facilitate profound personal and societal transformation. Her life’s work stands as a testament to the power of the human voice to heal, unite, and inspire change across cultures and communities worldwide.



Panel Presentations:

Workshop: Sonic Roots of Resilience with Amikaeyla

March 26th | 3:00 pm to 4:15 pm


Bioneers Conference
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