AGALISIGA “THE CHUJ” MACKEY

NEW MUSIC FROM AGALISIGA “THE CHUJ” MACKEY

Cherokee country artist releases single with album to follow Oct. 18

Twenty-one-year-old Cherokee singer/songwriter Agalisiga “The Chuj” Mackey has released a new single. Available on all streaming platforms, "Inagei Otsehi (We Live in the Woods)" is a snapshot of Mackey’s childhood growing up in the country in northeast Oklahoma, near the unincorporated town of Kenwood (population 1,279).

 The single is one of eleven tracks on Mackey’s debut album, Nasgino Inage Nidayulenvi (It Started in the Woods), a collection of original tunes along with some classic country and folk covers, all performed entirely in the Cherokee language. The record is scheduled for release on the nonprofit Horton Records October 18. Concert dates are scheduled for the fall.

 For Mackey, who grew up in a small traditional Cherokee community before moving to Tahlequah, the Cherokee Nation capital, to become a language learner at the Cherokee Immersion Charter School, writing and singing in his native language is a natural fit. Now a language teacher himself, Mackey is on a journey to preserve the Cherokee language and pass along his love of country-western music. Although not everyone is fluent in Cherokee, anyone can relate to Mackey’s gorgeous, deep baritone voice and the classic country-folk rhythms.

 “I do believe that music, of itself, is just its own language for many reasons,” says Mackey. “I think it's just a natural part of ourselves.”

 Steeped in Tribal traditions and inspired by classic country and blues sounds and themes, with vocals honed by a lifetime immersed in Cherokee ceremonial songs, Mackey’s music is an authentic reflection of who he is and what he believes.

 “Coming from a background of culture, I believe that we need to hang on to the things that have been passed down to us. I also have the realization that in order for us to be relevant and to keep up in the world, we're going to have to grow. So we need to hang onto what we have, but we also need to add to it,” says Mackey. “Writing and performing songs in the Cherokee language is my way of saying, ‘hey, look, even though this language is old, it still has importance to this day.’”

 Agalisiga “The Chuj” Mackey in Concert

• Aug. 31 - Big Dam Party Schedule TBA (free)
• Gathering Place - 2650 S. John Williams Way, Tulsa OK Information
• Oct. 19 – Album release show with Kalyn Fay at Saint Cecilia’s
• 205 W. King St., Tulsa OK Information
• Oct. 23 – Album Release Show at Kroner & Baer Pub
•  200 N. Muskogee Ave., Tahlequah OK Information
• Nov. 9 – Horton Records Rock n’ Folk n’ Chili Cook Off
• Cain’s Ballroom 423 N. Main St., Tulsa OK Information

Mackey’s new single, “Inagei Otsehi (We Live in the Woods),” is available now on all major streaming platforms. Preorder his debut album, Nasgino Inage Nidayulenvi (It Started in the Woods), here.

Mackey’s song “Gatlohiha” (“Cherokee Yodel” in English) appears on a groundbreaking album of original music performed entirely in the Cherokee language released in 2022 on the nonprofit Horton Records label. Anvdvnelisgi ᎠᏅᏛᏁᎵᏍᎩ (“Performers” in English) represents diverse contemporary genres, including Folk/Americana, Country, Pop, Reggae, Heavy Metal and Hip Hop. Produced by Cherokee filmmaker, Jeremy Charles, the project is part of a wide-ranging commitment to preserve and expand the Cherokee language, a mission integral to Mackey’s identity and heart.