Maestro

Since his birth, Melvin W. Lightford III was expected to do great things in the world of music. His nickname, “Maestro”, was given to him by his mother whose only wish was that her son would learn how to play the piano. With his God given talent Melvin “Maestro” Lightford has created numerous memorable experiences. He has had the pleasure of working with several up-and-coming local artists, such as: Alvin Love, Josiah Bell, Andale, Mia Jones, Verbs, Raffeal Sears, Seth Costner, and many more. The knowledge gained from working with these local artists has allowed him to work with various other artists all over the world: Hi-Q (Norway), Yasmin Gontijo (Brazil), Ava (Netherlands), and Just Davies (France). Not wanting to limit himself to playing and producing for artists, Maestro decided to try his hand in the world of film and television. His first job in the film industry was being an actor in the movie “Second Chance”. There he shared the stage with big musical icons like Michael W. Smith and Tommy Simmons. With that great experience he learned what he needed to excel to the next level. Jeff Obafemi Carr, a talented actor and writer, hired Maestro as the music director for “The Sho Nuff Nativity”, a play directed by Carr. “The Sho Nuff Nativity” was based off of Langston Hughes’s “Black Nativity”. Maestro wrote original compositions for this play ranging in styles from classical to gospel. The production was taped and televised nationally. With the success of “The Sho Nuff Nativity”, Maestro was later asked by Bobby Poole, a play director, to be musical director for the production of James Weldon Johnson’s “God’s Trombone”. The cast included Eddie George (former NFL star), Lisa Kimmey (gospel group, Out of Eden), and Lisa Arrindell Anderson (Tyler Perry’s Madea Plays). Maestro believes that all his success has come due to the fact he has followed God’s lead. Working in His will has led Maestro to five other equally-gifted and talented individuals: the owners/founders of the company Muzik Cellar Music. The sole purpose Muzik Cellar Music is to develop a music industry that optimizes its influence on humanity to enrich lives. Their legacy will produce a global impact – transcending monetary ambition, upholding integrity in relationships, and enriching humanity through music.