🎭 Jesus Christ Superstar
🗓️ now playing in Melbourne’s Princess Theatre, then QPAC Brisbane from 22 June
🎟️jesuschristsuperstarmusical.com.au

Mahalia Barnes is one of Australia’s most recognisable and soulful voices, currently starring as Mary in the musical Jesus Christ Superstar. In this episode, Mahalia opens up about her lifelong relationship with music, shaped from early childhood by her immersion in a musically iconic family. She shares stories of growing up backstage, travelling on tour, and spending time in recording studios. It was a world that was both inspiring and, at times, demanding. That unique environment became the backdrop for her development as an artist with an unwavering commitment to authenticity.

Music was always the path for Mahalia. There was never really a plan B, apart from a brief childhood dream of becoming an Olympic swimmer. She didn’t pursue formal training but instead honed her skills through relentless self-practice. She gravitated towards powerful soul and blues singers, particularly Lorraine Ellison, learning from their recordings and using them as benchmarks to refine her own voice. This early passion translated into a professional career while still in her teens, touring, recording, and eventually building a body of work that includes multiple albums and collaborations across the globe.

What sets Mahalia apart is her dedication to forging her own artistic identity. In an industry often driven by trends and commercial demands, she has stayed true to her love of soul and blues. Her career has been defined by a desire to connect deeply with audiences, not by chasing hits on commercial radio. She talks openly about the challenges of holding onto that authenticity, especially when surrounded by a fast-moving industry that can sometimes reward conformity more than originality. But Mahalia believes the key to longevity is passion and connection — with the music, with her fellow musicians, and with the audience.

Joining the cast of Jesus Christ Superstar marked a bold new step in Mahalia’s journey. Although she had always admired the show and its legendary music, musical theatre was uncharted territory for her. She admits she was initially unsure whether it was the right fit. But the opportunity to play Mary in such an iconic production was too powerful to pass up. What followed was a steep learning curve as she adjusted to the structure and discipline of theatre. Coming from a world of live concerts where no two nights are the same, she found it challenging to repeat performances with precision while still making them feel fresh and alive.

Despite the challenges, the experience has been eye-opening and rewarding. Working in theatre has given Mahalia a greater appreciation for the collaborative nature of the art form. She speaks with admiration for the dedication and energy of her castmates and the way each show shifts slightly depending on who is performing or how the audience responds. That variation, even within a tightly rehearsed production, keeps her engaged and inspired. It’s a different kind of connection from what she’s used to on stage, but it’s one that has deepened her respect for the power of teamwork in performance.

While the experience of Jesus Christ Superstar has not changed her musical identity, it has added a new layer to her artistry. It’s given her the chance to step outside her comfort zone and test herself in a new creative discipline. It has also reinforced her sense of who she is as a performer — someone who finds joy and purpose in sharing music, whether it’s in an intimate club or a packed theatre. Mahalia’s commitment to her craft remains clear. She’s in it for the long haul, driven by the same fire that lit up her childhood and carried her through decades of performing.

This conversation offers a candid and inspiring look at what it means to grow up with music, to stay grounded in your artistic values, and to keep evolving without losing your sense of self. For Mahalia Barnes, music isn’t just a profession. It’s a lifelong journey shaped by passion, community, and the courage to follow your own sound, wherever it leads.