You may have heard of Metta Sandiford-Artest, the former NBA star once known as Ron Artest or Metta World Peace. He’s famous for his basketball career, his strong defense, and his big personality. But behind the scenes, one person has quietly stood by his side—his wife, Maya Sandiford Artest.
Maya isn’t a loud celebrity. She doesn’t post everything online. But people are curious about her. Who is she? Where is she from? What does she do? And what is her life like with Metta? In this article, we’ll share everything you need to know about Maya Sandiford Artest, from her background to her career to her sweet love story with Metta.
Maya Sandiford Artest Quick Bio
| Full Name | Maya Sandiford Artest |
| Known As | Metta Sandiford-Artest’s wife |
| Nationality | Canadian-Japanese |
| Ethnicity | Asian (Japanese) and Caribbean (Trinidadian) |
| Parents | Michelle Sandiford and Hirata Fuminori |
| Sibling | Brother Shay Sandiford |
| Profession | Model and actress |
| Modeling Agency | Select Model Management |
| Acting Roles | Time for Him to Come Home for Christmas, Paradise City |
| Married To | Metta Sandiford-Artest |
| Marriage Year | Around 2018 |
| Children | Expecting first child (a baby boy) |
| Residence | Los Angeles, California |
| Age | Early 30s (exact date unknown) |
How Maya Sandiford Artest Met Metta Sandiford-Artest
Maya and Metta didn’t meet on camera or in the spotlight. Their love story grew quietly over time. They started dating many years ago, around 2011 or 2012, though they didn’t talk about it much at first.
Over time, Metta began sharing little moments. In 2019, he started calling her his “wifey” at big events like Coachella and in sweet social media posts. In a 2020 interview, he confirmed what many had guessed—they were married. And he even did something rare: he took her last name.
That’s right. He changed his name from Metta World Peace to Metta Sandiford-Artest, combining her last name (Sandiford) with his (Artest). That simple move showed just how much she means to him.
A Look at Maya Sandiford Artest’s Background
Maya has a beautiful and diverse background. She was born to a Japanese father, Hirata Fuminori, and a Trinidadian mother, Michelle Sandiford. That means Maya has both Asian and Caribbean roots, which gives her a rich mix of cultures.
She grew up between two very different places—Tokyo, Japan, and Courtenay, a quiet island town in British Columbia, Canada. This gave her a global view of life. She knows what it’s like to live in a big, busy city like Tokyo and a calm, nature-filled place like Courtenay.
Maya now uses her mother’s last name, Sandiford, more publicly. But that doesn’t mean she’s distant from her dad. In fact, she’s shared sweet words about both parents online. She once called her father “the GOAT” (which means the greatest of all time) and described her mom as “the legend” on Mother’s Day.
Maya Sandiford Artest’s Family Life and Roots
Maya’s love for her family shows in everything she does. Her mom, Michelle Sandiford, has been a big part of her life and is more open on social media. Maya once shared a heartfelt post thanking her mom for always putting her and her brother Shay first.
In Maya’s words, “You lead by example… I only hope I can be half the mother you are someday.” That tells us a lot about Maya—not just as a daughter, but as a person who deeply values love and care.
Her father, Hirata, is more private. But Maya still honors him with warm words. She seems proud of where she comes from, and that cultural pride comes through in her life choices.
Maya Sandiford Artest’s Career as a Model
Maya isn’t just known for being Metta Sandiford-Artest’s wife. She’s also a professional model signed with Select Model Management. That’s a big name in the fashion world.
She has appeared in photoshoots, campaigns, and events. Maya carries a calm and confident look that makes her stand out in a world full of flashy trends. Her beauty isn’t just in her looks—it’s in her peaceful, quiet presence.
Even though she could use her marriage to gain fame fast, Maya hasn’t done that. Instead, she’s chosen to keep her modeling career separate and grow it slowly, on her own terms.
Maya’s Small Roles on Screen
Besides modeling, Maya has also started acting. She’s not chasing fame in big Hollywood movies just yet, but she’s taken small steps. One of her first roles was in the TV movie “Time for Him to Come Home for Christmas,” where she acted alongside stars like Tyler Hynes.
She also had a small, uncredited role in the action movie “Paradise City”, which featured big names like Bruce Willis and John Travolta.
These may be small starts, but they show something important—Maya Sandiford Artest is creative, curious, and always growing. Whether it’s fashion or acting, she’s exploring her own path.
Maya Sandiford Artest and Her Brother Shay
Maya isn’t the only one in her family with talent. Her younger brother, Shay Sandiford, is also a model. He’s signed with One Model Management in New York.
But Shay isn’t just about fashion—he’s also a passionate skateboarder. He travels and competes in skateboarding events around the world. Maya and Shay have a close bond, and it’s clear they both share a love for expressing themselves and living creatively.
They support each other, celebrate each other’s wins, and stay close no matter where life takes them. It’s the kind of sibling relationship many people dream of having.
When Did Maya Become Metta Sandiford-Artest’s Wife?
The exact date of their wedding is still a mystery. They didn’t post about it or make a big announcement. But by 2020, Metta publicly said they were married. He even shared that he now uses Maya’s last name—Sandiford—along with his own.
In interviews, he spoke with pride and love. And on social media, Maya marked their milestones too. She once posted about their 7-year relationship anniversary in Maui, sharing pictures and memories.
Even though they’ve been together for over 12 years, they’ve kept things private. And that’s what makes their bond so strong. They’ve built their love away from the cameras.
Maya Sandiford Artest and Metta’s Quiet Life Together
Even though Metta Sandiford-Artest had a very public life as an NBA star, his life with Maya Sandiford Artest is calm and peaceful. They don’t share much about their relationship online, but they do make appearances at special events together.
Over the years, they’ve been seen at events like the Mercedes-Benz Academy Awards Viewing Party in Beverly Hills, the 2022 “See” series premiere in Los Angeles, and the 2023 ESPY Awards in Hollywood. Most recently, they also walked the red carpet at the “Barbie” film premiere.
Even though Maya is often in the spotlight with her husband, she stays grounded. She doesn’t post every detail of her life. Instead, she chooses peace, privacy, and real moments over fame. That’s something fans admire about her.
Maya and Metta Are Expecting a Child
In 2024, exciting news made headlines—Maya Sandiford Artest and Metta Sandiford-Artest are expecting their first baby together. This will be Maya’s first child and Metta’s fifth. He already has four children—Ron III, Jeron, Sadie, and Diamond—from his past relationships.
The couple shared that the pregnancy was a surprise. Maya was told by her doctor that she might not be ovulating, so they thought they might need help to have a baby. But just a few months later, she found out she was pregnant—naturally and unexpectedly.
Now, they’re getting ready to welcome a baby boy, and they couldn’t be happier.
Maya’s Honest Pregnancy Journey
Maya has been very open about how hard pregnancy has been. She said the first trimester was really tough. She felt sick every day and had no energy. She even said, “The first tri can be absolute s—,” and many moms agreed with her honesty.
During the second trimester, she felt better. Things became easier and more enjoyable. But now, in the third trimester, she’s dealing with back pain, heartburn, acid reflux, and insomnia. It hasn’t been easy, but she’s handling it like a champ.
Through all of this, Metta Sandiford-Artest has been by her side. Maya says he’s been amazingly supportive—bringing her food, helping when she’s sick, and being patient through every mood swing. She even joked about having “pregnancy rage,” and Metta just laughed and said, “She’s handled it like a boss.”
A Beautiful Baby Shower and Maternity Shoot
To celebrate their little one, Maya and Metta hosted a gorgeous baby shower. Maya planned everything with care. She picked a soft baby blue theme and worked with a team to create a beautiful setting.
The event had amazing food and drinks—thanks to Prince Street Pizza, Alamode Catering, Hidden Sea Wine, Hermosa Brewing, Beignets Box, and Luc Belaire. Guests loved every bite and every moment. Maya also gave credit to her best friends and party planner Linda Luna, who helped make the day perfect.
Around the same time, Maya did a stunning maternity photoshoot with photographer Ali Parker. They shot the pictures in nature, at the beach, and even in elegant evening outfits. The photos were soft, dreamy, and full of love.
The shoot wasn’t planned in advance. It just happened when Ali was in town, and Maya took the chance. The result was pure magic—photos that captured her glow and joy.
What’s Next for Maya Sandiford Artest?
Maya’s main focus now is becoming a mom. She’s been reading audiobooks, learning from friends who are also moms, and preparing her home for the baby. She even has a baby group chat where she asks questions and shares updates.
Metta is also excited. He said he missed some moments with his older kids because he was busy playing basketball. Now, he wants to be there for every step with this baby—from the birth to the little firsts that follow.
As for the baby’s name? Maya hinted it might be creative, just like her husband’s name. But for now, they’re keeping it a secret.
Maya Sandiford Artest may have started as a quiet face beside a famous name, but now she’s a mother, a model, an actress, and a strong woman with her own story. And people are finally starting to see just how special she really is.
Final Thoughts
Maya Sandiford Artest is more than just Metta Sandiford-Artest’s wife. She’s a beautiful soul with a rich background, a creative career, and a loving heart. From modeling to motherhood, she handles life with grace and honesty.
In a world full of noise, Maya chooses to move quietly—but with power. And now, as she steps into this new chapter as a mom, fans everywhere are cheering her on.
(FAQs)
Who are Maya Sandiford Artest’s parents?
Her mom is Michelle Sandiford from Trinidad, and her dad is Hirata Fuminori from Japan. Maya grew up in both Japan and Canada.
Is Maya Sandiford Artest really having a baby?
Maya is pregnant with her first baby. She and Metta are expecting a baby boy, and they are very happy and excited.
How much money does Maya Sandiford Artest have?
No one knows the exact number, but Maya works as a model and actress, and her husband Metta has over $30 million.
Does Maya Sandiford Artest have any family?
She has a younger brother named Shay who is a model and skateboarder. She is very close to her family.
How old is Maya Sandiford Artest and where does she live?
Maya is likely in her early 30s. She lives in Los Angeles with Metta and is getting ready to become a mom.
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