Getting to know London-based indie pop artist Malaika
Originally from Dorset and now based in London, singer-songwriter Malaika is quickly becoming one of the UK’s most exciting new indie pop artists. Even at a young age, she has a real gift for writing songs that speak to people from all walks of life, blending catchy melodies with honest storytelling.
We first saw Malaika perform at one of our open mic nights last year, and it’s been a joy to see how much she’s grown since then. He track “villain” was our favourite song of 2024, and she’s already made a strong start to 2025 with two excellent singles — “not scared” and “for good”.
With her debut EP coming soon and a special acoustic set at our very first festival next month, Malaika’s future is looking brighter than ever.
DNü: How has your sound or lyrical voice evolved since you first started making music?
M: I think both my voice and sound have come a long way since I started making music. But I also just think that’s natural with time. The more I use my voice the better it gets and the more familiar with it I’ve become. I always describe my younger voice as slightly ‘cryptic’ hahahah, definitely was copying the vocal style of others I admired at the time rather than finding my own voice. Once I let go of comparison to others and just sang how my body wanted me too I feel like my sound and lyrical voice felt more me. Feel like you can kinda hear the change if you listen to how I sing in my debut single ‘Mars’ in comparison to my most recent ‘for good’. It’s so crazy what a couple years can do for a vocal.
DNü: What does success look like for you, not in numbers, but in feeling?
M: I always struggle answering questions to do with what ‘success’ means to me. 13 year old me would think it’s cool as shit that I even have music out. If I’m honest music is just something I have to do. It fulfils me so much whether I’m successful or not. I just love making music. It’s always been something I do for myself. Obviously it would be nice if one day it’s my main source of income.
DNü: How has growing up in Dorset shaped your perspective as an artist, especially now living and creating in London?
M: I’d say growing up in Dorset has made me a very independent person. I’m very comfortable doing things on my own. That’s also because I was raised by a single mum. It taught me that I don’t need to rely on anyone else but myself. I’m convinced I have the best mum in the world. I didn’t see my dad as much growing up but he’s always told me to give everything my all. Some of the best advice he’s given me is that ‘if you don’t believe in yourself, no one else will’. I felt like when I was growing up no one really got my music. I had this mad sense of confidence as a teen that I don’t know where it came from. Honestly I could use a bit of it now. Moving to London was tricky at first. I was working a job I hated, and felt so alone. I think something about the crazy amount of people here made it feel lonely. People are less friendly out and about, which I’ve grown to understand. But moving here is the best thing I’ve ever done and I wouldn’t be anywhere else.
DNü: What are you currently exploring creatively that scares you a little — in a good way?
M: I’ve currently been playing live a little more than I used too. Have started forming a band which is super fun. It’s so nice to have others on stage with me. It kind’ve takes a bit of the pressure off. I’ve always taken more out of making music so performing is something I’m working on for sure in terms of my confidence on stage. But I’m getting there ◡̈
DNü: If you had to do a duet with a fictional character, who would it be?
M: Growing up I used to be obsessed with the bratz movies (cartoon ones). Used to love all there red and black outfits in one of the movies called rock angels. Think I would feel like such a badass wearing one of those outfits and playing with them.
Catch Malaika performing at our debut indoor festival this September. Tickets are on sale here.