About me
Agalisiga “Chuj” Mackey is a Cherokee guitarist/musician and singer/songwriter from the Cherokee Nation in Northeast Oklahoma. Mackey spent the early years of his life growing up on a creek bank in the small traditional Cherokee community of Kenwood, OK. Mackey grew up participating in traditional ceremonies, ceremonial songs being the foundation of his voice which he carries with him as he creates more modern music. Mackey writes and sings original country-folk music in the Cherokee language. In addition to his artistic work, Chuj is a graduate of the Cherokee Language Master Apprentice Program and now works within the Cherokee language department supporting language revitalization efforts. He has also contributed to Cherokee-language media and cultural initiatives that integrate language into film, animation, and public programming, helping guide translation, pronunciation, and the development of Cherokee-language voice talent. At the heart of his work is a simple purpose: to help ensure the Cherokee language and culture continue to live and grow. Chuj is also the father of two sons, whom he teaches both Cherokee language and music—passing forward the traditions that shaped him.
