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IOL interview/article:
Malik is possibly the most underrated singer in the country. But hopefully that will change with his third, and best-yet, album, Mthulise.
He has had the luxury of taking over two years to record it. In fact, he has been scarce on the party scene, choosing instead to spend as much time as possible in the studio.
So it is fitting that we are doing the interview at the Ghetto Ruff studios, called Cube Studios, in Greenside. The studios have had a revamp with cool patios and blinged disco pillars. They are a hive of activity. Soapie actor Wright Ngubeni is sitting with Malik in a studio and they are working on a track.
Malik is not only a great singer, he is also a producer, keyboardist, drummer and guitarist. He has worked with thoroughbreds like |RJ Benjamin, Jozi, Zola, Ishmael, Kyllex, Thaso and Tuks.
When Wright finally leaves, |we laze by the crystal-clear pool, while his album plays loudly in |the background.
"People are starting to take me seriously," he says, behind his sunglasses. He suddenly bursts into a falsetto and I lie back and enjoy the private performance and the warm winter sun on my skin. Life couldn't get any better.
"I started working on this album two years ago," he says. "But you can't push perfection and I wanted to prove a point. My first album was house, and produced by Kyllex, and the second was more hip hoppy and produced by Bongani Fassie."
This album is produced by Malik but he admits that the task of creating and producing at the same time was daunting. "I felt I always needed a second opinion. Often I was sceptical. But it was merely doubt asking if I was ready to do this.
"Also, guys like Ringo and Zola gave me confidence - I had worked with them previously."
Mthulise is a beautiful combination of neo-soul with dollops of good old traditional African music. It is heartfelt and leaves the listener with a satisfying sense of calm and happiness. The title track features Ringo and is currently enjoying radio play. There is also a track with MXO.
"MXO was a mistake," laughs Malik. "He rocked up at the studio a bit drunk and the next thing, we were making a song together.
"When you work with people in the studio you get to really know them. Like Ringo is a family man, a mentor, always talking sense. I met him at SABC and asked if I could work with him. I ended up producing six songs for him.
"The biggest problem is that I idolised him for years. It was overwhelming, like I wanted him to sign an autograph for me.
"Aaah and working with Zola on his album was lovely. Zola was always a party, always talking about his millions."
Malik also did production for Puff Johnson during the fleeting and surreal time she was in South Africa. "Working with Puff wasn't that awesome but she is a brilliant singer and it was an honour to work with her."
The conversation wanders back to his album. "I call it soul music. This album can heal hearts. I don't sing about sex and booze because you're not gonna get far with it.
"I gave myself an identity with this album. I put all my musical skill into it to give it that boost."
In terms of promoting the album, Malik is planning a launch at Blues Room, where he is determined to reproduce the album, as much as possible, with a live band. He is planning to do corporates and festivals as well.
"I have never been more confident in my life about anything. This album is going to sell and hopefully win a few Samas."
Seeing that nothing is really selling in the music industry, his confidence may be a bit misplaced. However, the album, as a sonic work of art, is a wonderful investment for any music lover, and yes, Malik should be proud.
"The thing is, if you're not out there doing what you want then you're not living. Life is not |that complicated."
6009686388659
CDGRUF 083
Ghetto Ruff, 2010
Country: SOUTH AFRICA
Good condition
C13
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