"We feel very privileged to be associated with one of the most powerful individuals in the world Mr. Nelson Mandela and honoured to be part of the great cause raising money for the 46664 charity.”
Malaika, “South Africa’s premium band”. Within their short musical careers in the volatile music industry, this dynamic trio had managed to achieve what a few people can in a life time of their careers. They have scooped over fifteen awards, ranging from the Metro FM Awards: Best Group and Best Afro Pop Act, SAMA Awards: Best Afro Pop, Kora Awards: Best Group Southern Africa 2004, 5 & 6, and Channel O: Song Of the year. They have also managed to out sell most of South African muzo’s in South Africa allowing them to scoop the best selling artist at the SAMA’s in 2004.
Malaika uniquely combines their best vocals, creating vibrating, extra ordinary sounds.
MALAIKA STRENGTHS
Vocals: one group that has three very talented individuals. Each one of the members can hold its ground on his/her own, combined together it can only produce this exploding group.
Squeaky clean image: Malaika has never been associated with any negativity. They don’t have wild parties; they only attend functions that will directly benefit the brand. They attend and perform at those functions or events they are directly involved with or nominated for. You cannot expect the unexpected about the group. They group was also formed in the church; all members are staunch church goers.
Uniquely African Group: Malaika is truly representing Africa in terms of their music, stage act and Image. When most artists are shifting towards the European appeal in terms of their image and music, Malaika has maintained their Afro centric Image whilst also incorporating the international look.
MALAIKA’S CHARITY WORK INVOLVEMENT
Malaika is very involved in community supporting projects. They are different breed of youth, believing in using their influence to make a difference in other people’s lives. They have been associated with the following brands: World Vision, Joint Aid Management, We are Capable, UNICEF, Donated computer supply to AME, Lucas Radebe Benefit Foundation, Peapod Foundation (in - conjunction with Black Eye Peas), Backstage Benefit Concern, Mandela’s Children’s fund (The International Legends meet the South African legends soccer match), recently 46664 (performance December 01 JHB stadium).
THE INTERNATIONAL ARENA BECKONS MALAIKA
Malaika’s popularity is South Africa is sending the international firmament beckoning them in their direction. They say charity begins at home. Malaika has achieved phenomenal success at home. This serves a base the international arena interest. We are beginning to see a demand for their performances internationally. October 2007 will see Malaika performing in Stratford Rex – London, February 2008 Malaika will be touring Australia.
Sekunjalo, the latest release by local premier Afro pop outfit Malaika, is so spellbinding it's bound to add yet another dimension to their already glowing career credentials. Bursting to the seams with homegrown sounds, Sekunjalo is set to add huge numbers to their swelling fan base. The group gets full marks for hatching a series of melodies that will not only reclaim their foothold as household Afro pop outfit in the country. Soaring together in unison, their voices are brimming with infectious joy, something that conjures image of Malaika having a blast in the studio during the recording of Sekunjalo.
SEKUNJALO – MALAIKA’S LATEST OFFERING
The rhythm is wholly African, showcasing various styles that have set aside the mother continent as an undisputed musical destination. The thrilling repertoire is an indication that Malaika's music is likely to remain on high rotation, during the festive season and long after people have put away their dancing shoes for an anticipated dreary winter. A breeze through the various tracks will take you to the fast tempo Kwa Kumnandi whose roots are deeply steeped between rich traditional sounds and popular dance culture.
Then there's the Kiss Kiss track, a bitter sweet foray into memory lane. Jabu Khanyile's voice will evoke a by gone era of great music and a chapter that closed with his passing away. Loketo transports you to the pulsating Congolese clubs where kwasa kwasa is the order of the day and rhythm is the god's gift running through every fiber of your being. It's the capital of music appreciation where time stands still when people suggestively sway their hips to the beat. Contagious and joyful exuberance aptly describe the music.
We bakithi! - a very powerful touching song, lamenting on the suffering of Mother Africa’s children, including poverty, woman and child abuse, crime, HIV/AIDS. Africa has experienced enough violence it also have a very strong message of hope.
Without a doubt the group has turned a corner. Since the release of their debut self entitled album “Malaika” which, claimed and to this day continues to retain a lion’s share of space on compiler’s lists. A hallmark of brilliant creativity! The trio’s strongest point is their ability to harmoniously fuse their voices, adding three dimensions to a song. This not only brings their music to life but spices it up in a manner that adds flavour to it. Right now that versatility is adding a continental spin to their sound.
As often is the case, artists are judged by their last offering. A case in point with Malaika, but in as much as you dig deep to find similarities or areas of dissension in their music, you are met with confident maturity and constant effort to improve on the last offering. Their relaxed approach to their music is air strong indication and telling point on their state of mind prior to entering the studio. Relaxed, pulsating with ideas and intent on growing their sound by incorporating different artist’s from various parts of Africa. These influences have enriched the product so much that it ceases to be local but assumes the status of intra-Africa.
Made up of Matshediso Mholo who is affectionately called Tshedi, Bongani Nchang and Jabulani Ndaba, the trio who are childhood friends come all the way from the North West. Taking courage in their hands, the trio burst into a highly competitive marketplace, raising eyebrows of the cynical who gave them the slimmest of chance. It was therefore surprising how they blew, clawing their way to the top. Overnight their music was on high rotation leading to their consistent booking at music festivals and probably adding to the awards on their mantel place.
Their follow-up album Vuthelani took off where their debut had left in spite of the harsh comparisons. To this day, the albums are still competing in the marketplace. Trendsetters to the T, Malaika made history when they dominated the industry with precisely timed singles periodically unleashed one after another on the complacent competition and surprising all by becoming hits in their own right.
It's becoming obvious that the trio are a bunch of astute business people as well as talented individuals who make a formidable team. That is if “Sekunjalo” is anything to judge by. It’s also obvious that the music on “Sekunjalo” is inspired by African influences, but it’s also going places.
