When you first meet Meta, of Meta and the Cornerstones, he emits pure musical talent and a humble spirit in his 6.3ft slim frame. Then, when you meet the band members of the Cornerstones you realize that you are in the presence of a group that is about to change the dynamic of Reggae music forever.
Born in Senegal, West Africa, Meta Dia grew a deep love and true appreciation for all types of music. As a child, while listening to his mother play Gregory Isaacs and Bob Marley on the radio his appreciation for Reggae music was founded and the desire to be a musician. In Dakar, Senegal, Meta is known as a pioneer for the voice and culture of Hip Hop. He began performing on the streets and stages of Dakar at the age of 14. In the year 2000, Meta formed his first group, YALLA SUUREN (God Bless) and gained celebrity recognition by the media. YALLA SUUREN was nominated as the BEST HIP HOP/REGGAE group by the French Cultural Center in 2000.
Moving to the USA in 2002, he began to collaborate with artists such as Sean Blackman, hip hop pioneer Toni Blackman and many others. He formed the band Meta and the Cornerstones with some of the best musicians in New York City: Adrian Djoman(bass); Shahar Mintz (solo guitar); Andre Daniel (Keyboards) and Ian Joseph (Drums), Daniel Serrato (Guitar) who brought their musical influences of the Caribbean, Africa, America and Middle East into the mix.
Meta’s powerful writing skills, his phenomenal singing voice takes you back to the roots of Reggae music as he infuses his songs with hip hop, rock, soul and African influences performing in English, French, Wolof and Fulani. Meta and the Cornerstones have gained great respect and recognition in the USA and internationally. In 2006 he made a roaring statement when he performed alongside Steel Pulse & Luciano at the 2006 Annual Reggae Salute. In 2007 he was personally invited by International Superstar and Senegalese born artist Youssou N’Dour, to perform at his Annual ‘African Ball’ concert at the Nokia Theater, NYC.
The afro-fusion reggae of The Cornerstones and Meta’s soulful, soaring voice creates a soul-pounding spiritual experience for the audience. Meta is creating something bigger than music, transcending oceans, borders, and languages. The power of what he is contributing is unifying and humbling. Meta and The Cornerstones have something big to offer whoever is listening.