Maali explores heartbreak, accountability and self-worth on new EP

The EP traces different stages of Maali’s dating experiences in his early 20s, moving from poor choices and difficult relationships to reflection and self-love. Rather than presenting heartbreak solely from the perspective of a victim, the project examines the role he played in some of his own experiences.

‘Bad Decision’, the opening track and lead single, addresses a relationship Maali said he knew was unhealthy from the beginning. The song has reached No. 24 on Nigerian radio charts and has gained traction in South Africa.

“‘Bad Decision’ is the epitome of my foolishness. I chose to date someone that was terrible for me. I compromised on my own principles and boundaries, I was warned by friends and family alike and I ignored their warnings. I was a fool,” Maali said.

‘Devil’s Daughter’ centres on a late-night encounter in Nairobi and the disappointment of unrequited attraction. The track was featured on Billboard Africa’s New Music Friday alongside Tyla’s A Pop.

The EP closes with ‘No Evil’, which reflects Maali’s decision to prioritise his own wellbeing after a series of failed relationships and situationships.

‘No Evil’ is an ode to anyone who hurt me, a public notice that while I loved them once, I love myself infinitely more now. That self-love breathes through everything I do. I dress better, look better, and feel better, all because I chose myself,” he said.

Maali said the project was shaped by reflection rather than resentment and was intended to address accountability in relationships.

“In so much of the music I listen to, when people get hurt in relationships, they take the stance of a victim. There is no accountability, they hardly make room for the reality that the first time they’d seen a red flag was the time they should’ve left, but didn’t. I didn’t want to go down that road,” he said.

“People can look forward to a fun and accountable beginning, while the end will look at growth and self-worth. I want my listeners to know they are infinitely capable of growth and becoming, they do not have to become stuck in their ways,” he added.

‘Bad Decision’ and ‘Devil’s Daughter’ have also appeared on editorial playlists on Spotify and Apple Music, including Nairobae, Barefoot and Free, Alte Cruise, Sexy Afro, Cocoa Butter and R&Beats on Spotify, as well as Brown Sugar, Motherland Honey and Africa Rising on Apple Music. The songs have also attracted listeners in the United States, Japan and the United Kingdom.

Born Ivan Thomas Maali in Nairobi, Maali works across R&B, pop, Afro and alt-pop. He spent part of his childhood in Kenya and Tanzania before returning to Kenya in 2016.

He grew up in a musical family, with his grandfather playing organ in church.

“I grew up in a musical home, so music wasn’t something I had trouble accessing. My grandfather was an organ player in church and he taught his children to love and appreciate all kinds of music. That love ended up trickling down to my generation,” Maali said.

His career has included opening performances for Anthony Hamilton and Gabzy, as well as collaborations with Bien of Sauti Sol, Nameless, Xenia Manasseh, Ywaya of Watendawili, Lisa Oduor, June Gachui and Maya Amolo.

Maali is also set to appear on a project curated by Jameson and continues to perform through Like A Sunday, his monthly live music series.

Damage You Demanded is available on major streaming platforms.