Nova Y. Payton, a native Washingtonian,  has performed all over the world. You may have heard her soprano voice on PBS Television with Maestro Luke Frazier and The American Pops Orchestra in “Ella Wishes You A Swinging Christmas”, “We Are Family” or as a featured performer and associate producer in “ Black Broadway: A Proud History, Limitless Future”.  Nova’s performance with the 2008 internationally staged musical, 3 Mo' Divas, could be seen on PBS Television as well and garnered her and the other ladies with a 2008 NAACP Image Award Nomination for Outstanding Duo or Group. As a two time Helen Hayes Award Recipient, for her portrayal as Celie in Signature Theatre’s 2022 production of The Color Purple and her portrayal as Motormouth Mabel in Signature Theatre’s 2011 production of Hairspray. She has been seen in countless regional theatre productions across the country. Boasting a prolific catalog of artists collaborations, Nova has traveled the world singing background for the legend, Roberta Flack, for many years. She has shared the stage with the likes of Stevie Wonder, Dionne Warwick, the late Natalie Cole, Stephanie Mills, Melba Moore, Norm Lewis, Kelly O’Hara, Bobby McFerrin, Pattie LaBelle, Michelle Williams, Yolanda Adams, Betsy Wolfe, Michael Uris and Anthony Hamilton to name of few. Nova has graced the symphonic stages with orchestras including American Pops, Houston, Grand Rapids, Helena, West Virginia, and NSO Pops to name a few. She has also opened for heavyweights like Ashford and Simpson, Will Downing, The Chi-Lites and the Dramatics.

Nova has performed in over 150 major cities in the US, as well as Canada, Japan, Singapore, Saudi Arabia and Europe.