Pittsburgh Black Pride Week concert features Grammy winner Mya, Pittsburgh native Amir White

As he was growing up in Pittsburgh’s Homewood neighborhood, Amir White would sing along and mimic television and radio – first the commercials, but not long after, the songs.

“I think I was born to do music,” said White, who now splits his time between the Steel City and Atlanta and will come home to perform as part of Pittsburgh Black Pride Week, July 28-30.

White will share the stage with Baltimore singer JayBMusic, Pittsburgh’s Diiviine and Grammy-winning headliner Mya.

White said he grew up being influenced by pop titans such as Michael Jackson, Drake, Mariah Carey and Beyoncé, and spoke with the Trib recently about taking the stage July 29 at the August Wilson African American Cultural Center.

For tickets and more information, see AWAACC.org or call 412-456-6666. For a full listing of Black Pride Week events, visit PghBlackPride.org.

This interview has been edited for length.

Q: What were some of the challenges of trying to ramp up your musical profile during the covid-19 pandemic? Or did it present some unexpected opportunities?

A: During covid I was able to travel more because flights were cheaper. I was able to get through more doors and landed a song with Universal Music Group producer Morgan Matthews. He’s produced for Alicia Keys and several other big names. My song “Maybe” written by me and produced by Morgan is currently available on all platforms. It was also published though Universal Music Group. The pandemic helped a lot with my social media presence as well. My team and I were able to do a lot more campaigning and building on social media sites which was very beneficial since everyone was stuck on social media.

Q: When did you last perform in your hometown?

A: My last major performance as a show opener was a few years ago and I had opened up for Grammy-winning artist Kirko Bangz and international recording artist Snootie Wild. I’m looking forward to hitting the stage and putting on a show to remember for all my fans and supporters. I want to see their smiling faces.

Q: Are you planning collaborations with any of the other performers at the July 29 concert?

A: I definitely want to take the time out and give credit to The Lost Culture dance crew and their leader Christian Brown. They have been in several of my videos which are available via my YouTube and VEVO channel. They will be hitting the stage with me.