We had an opportunity to chat with the talented and trailblazing Maali! Maali is a dynamic singer, songwriter, vocalist, and performer whose versatility allows him to effortlessly cut across a multitude of genres.
From R&B, Pop, and Afro to alternative sounds like Alt-Pop, there’s no track Maali cannot touch and turn into sonic gold. Possessing a captivating, buttery soft, and sultry voice, he draws listeners in, taking them on an emotional journey that leaves them yearning for more. Maali intentionally chooses to speak on heartfelt, universally relatable topics like love, honesty, accountability, and personal growth. His ability to deliver these themes with such emotional resonance is a skill rarely executed effectively.
His command of the craft is evidenced by an impressive performance and collaboration history. Maali has opened for international artists such as Anthony Hamilton and Gabzy, and has worked with a formidable roster of acclaimed talents, including Bien of Sauti Sol, Nameless, Xenia Manasseh, Ywaya of Watendawili, Lisa Oduor, June Gachui, and Maya Amolo. This collective experience speaks volumes about his rare skillset and profound respect for the artistry of music. Here’s how the interview went……
You’ve built your sound around creative freedom, moving between R&B, pop, Afro influences and alternative music without being tied to one lane. Was it always important for you to avoid being boxed into a single genre, and what does the world of Maali represent?
The World of Maali represents growth, love, understanding and living life in a limitless way. It is because my world is expansive that I find it hard to be tied to one genre of music. I would rather explore all the different ways I can communicate an idea and an experience using the type of music I think often fits best.
Your music doesn’t shy away from vulnerability. Whether you’re singing about love, heartbreak or personal growth, there’s an honesty that comes through. Why has being emotionally open become such an important part of your artistry?
My life has been influenced greatly by songs that come from very deep and sincere places. It made sense to me to emulate that in my own music with the hope that in being honest and open, I too would impact someone else’s life. If I’m honest with myself, maybe someone else will have the courage to do the same because I went first. Every collaboration leaves something behind.
Looking back, what’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learnt from working with other artists across Africa and beyond?
I’ve learned to believe in myself and in the idea that I too can make the same leaps they did provided I put in 10,000 hours.
South Africa is one of the biggest music markets on the continent. As you introduce your music to local audiences, what excites you most about connecting with South African listeners?
I’m excited at the opportunity to have them be a part of my community and I be a part of theirs. I’d love to be something like a long-distance friend to them. The kind of artist they’d want to watch cartoons with.
When you’re creating new music, what usually comes first – the emotion, the lyrics or the production? And how do you know when you’ve found a song that’s ready to share with the world?
Though I am usually a lyric-first kind of artist, that can differ from moment to moment and song to song. The emotion behind a line of text, real world situation, shared feeling, or new sound is often what pushes me in the right direction. If it invokes a deep enough feeling in me, I often know that I should go deeper into the feeling.
You recently released Bad Decision, giving listeners another glimpse into your evolving sound. What’s next for Maali, and what can fans look forward to over the coming months?
I’m set to release another single that’s the continuation of Bad Decision in the month of July. Later in the year I will release an E.P meant to conclude the story I’m telling in this era of my music.
