Discover the Inspirations Behind Malaïka’s Soulful Neo-Soul and R&B Sound and the Creation of Her Debut EP 27.
In a time when the global Afrobeats movement is achieving remarkable milestones and drawing numerous artists toward its growing appeal, a few stand out by staying true to their individuality and showcasing the diverse sounds of the continent. Encountering such artists is always refreshing, as their dedication to their craft sets them apart from the crowd. This is the story of Malaïka, a Ghanaian-German-Cameroonian singer-songwriter.
Blessed with a soft, soulful voice, Malaïka is a graduate of Black Girls Glow, an arts and music program designed to empower women in the creative space by nurturing talent, fostering community, and guiding their careers. Drawing from the music of her upbringing and life experiences, Malaïka’s passion for music began early, though she only ventured into releasing her own work as a young adult.
Performing at events across Accra, Malaïka seized an opportunity offered by Black Girls Glow: a grant for alumni. Winning this grant led to the creation of her debut project, 27. At her core, Malaïka crafts neo-soul, jazz, and R&B infused with her rich heritage, reflecting influences from highlife, Afrobeat, and makossa. Beyond music, she explores photography and creative direction, blending her storytelling passion with her artistic vision.
In an interview with Ghana Music, Malaïka delves into her background, influences, and music journey, offering a glimpse into the process behind her debut project, 27.
Ghana Music: For those unfamiliar, who is Malaïka?
Malaïka: “Malaïka is my stage name, and I am a Ghanaian-German-Cameroonian singer, songwriter, and creative based in Accra. My music is deeply influenced by my parents’ eclectic love for soul, funk, R&B, zouk, makossa, and Afrobeat. Women artists like Jill Scott, India Arie, and Cleo Sol have also shaped my artistry. My sound is soft, honest, and free—a reflection of the world I want to create.”
GM: Your Ghanaian and Cameroonian heritage must shape your identity and music. How has this influenced you?
Malaïka: “My father is a proud Ga man from Jamestown, Ghana, while my mother is Cameroonian-German with roots in Berlin and Douala. These backgrounds influence every part of me—from language and humor to values and traditions. Musically, elements like highlife, makossa, and Afrobeat percussion resonate deeply with me. My mom introduced me to zouk and Central African sounds, while my dad shared the vibrant rhythms of Ghana. This rich cultural blend seeps into my music naturally.”
GM: Your Instagram bio describes your sound as “soft, honest, and free.” Why these emotions?
Malaïka: “I’m drawn to music that radiates softness and sincerity—artists like Cleo Sol create immersive worlds of calm and refuge. Honesty is integral to my storytelling, and freedom is a value I hold dear. My music is a reflection of these ideals.”
GM: How pivotal has Black Girls Glow been to your journey?
Malaïka: “Black Girls Glow has been transformative. Through their residency, I gained the confidence to see myself as a music creator. Winning their grant was a breakthrough, enabling me to work on 27. Their mentorship and platform connected me with fellow creatives and opened doors for opportunities like performing at Sofar Sounds Accra.”
GM: Congratulations on your debut project, 27! What was the journey like creating it?
Malaïka: “Thank you! 27 began in late 2023, evolving from scattered ideas and voice notes into a cohesive project. The journey included a creative retreat and countless studio sessions. Collaborating with talented friends made the process exciting, though recording sessions brought their own challenges, as they marked the finality of each song.”
GM: The EP features a blend of jazz, highlife, R&B, and soul. How did you achieve this fusion?
Malaïka: “Soul is my foundation, but my team and I drew from a playlist of influences ranging from Cleo Sol to Gyedu-Blay Ambolley. My producers, Kafui and Joshua, brought these elements together beautifully, crafting a sound that feels like me.”
GM: Themes like family, community, and joy shine through in 27. What inspired these?
Malaïka: “27 is a time capsule of who I am at this stage of life—my relationships, values, and creativity. It’s rooted in introspection and serves as an archive of my identity at 27. I hope it inspires listeners to reflect on and document their own journeys.”
GM: How do you balance African influences with breaking the mold of traditional African music?
Malaïka: “African music is already incredibly diverse. Artists like Manana from Eswatini inspire me with their soulful and innovative sound. I embrace my African identity naturally, blending rhythms and traditions I love into my work.”
GM: Community seems central to your process. How significant is it to you?
Malaïka: “Community is everything. From collaborating with friends to relying on their support, my creative journey is intertwined with the people around me. The artistic community in Accra has been particularly inspiring and uplifting.”
GM: Having introduced yourself with 27, what’s next for Malaïka?
Malaïka: “For now, I’m savoring the reception of 27. In the coming months, I plan to explore visual storytelling for the project and connect with more artists. While I’m still figuring out what’s next, listeners might catch me at a few shows.”