Maja Bannerman is a Canadian writer, singer, and performing artist based in the Niagara region. She first gained recognition in the 1980s as one of the pioneering artists who transformed the cultural and artistic landscape of Queen Street West in Toronto. Since then, she has toured across Canada, presenting her unique blend of music, spoken word, and theatrical performances, both as a solo artist and in collaboration with others.
She has been called “slightly eccentric, conversant in multi-media art forms and daring in presentation.” Her performances have been characterized as “seductive and witty,” “moving,” “evocative,” and “haunting.” Lillian Allen called Maja “the Mother of spoken word in Canada.”
Maja has appeared at numerous festivals, including Sound Symposium (St. John’s), Women in View (Vancouver), The Gathering (Toronto), and the Mariposa Music Festival (Toronto). She has performed extensively in schools, galleries, and theatres across Canada. In 2011, she was an invited participant in the Paradise Now Project at MOCCA (Museum of Canadian Contemporary Art).
After moving to the Niagara region in 1996, Maja shifted her focus to exploring historical figures—both well-known and lesser-known—through Parasol Lane Productions. Her one-woman shows offer unique and sometimes offbeat perspectives into the lives of figures such as Laura Secord, Maria Callas, and the McFarland sisters. Additionally, Maja has written and produced larger productions centered around the rich history of the Niagara region.
As an acclaimed writer and performer, Maja has received support from the Canada Council, the Toronto Arts Council, and the Ontario Arts Council. She has also served as an Arts Educator with The Royal Conservatory of Music’s Learning Through the Arts Program and was Playwright in Residence with Carousel Players Children’s Theatre in St. Catharines. Maja has held positions on the Council and Executive of The League of Canadian Poets.
Via Satellite, Maja’s new album, produced by Rusty McCarthy, will be released in early 2025.
Praise for Maja is most clearly seen in the reaction of audiences, who are swept up and engaged in whatever story she is telling. She has been called “slightly eccentric, conversant in multi-media art forms and daring in presentation.” Her performances have been characterized as “seductive and witty,” “moving,” “evocative,” and “haunting.” Lillian Allen called Maja “the Mother of spoken word in Canada.”
In 2019, Maja formed a duo with songwriter and producer Rusty McCarthy. Described as a “Kitchen Party Cabaret,” their performances feature original works along with unique renditions of popular songs. The shows are performance-driven, blending a variety of musical styles with spoken word, creative movement, and a dash of audience participation. Rusty and Maja are currently working on their second recording as a duo — expect a little silliness, a little pathos, and a musical merry-go-round of songs and spoken word, all delivered with delight and attitude.
Rusty and Maja also produce monthly themed cabarets at Mahtay Cafe & Lounge in downtown St. Catharines, showcasing a vast array of both new and established performers in the region. Jugglers, songwriters, comedians, and dancers all come together under the banner of RUSTY & MAJA’S Cabaret Niagara.