Malaika Salatis: My passion burns bright

Just to get an idea of what we are talking about, Music In Africa had a one-on-one with this sultry-sounding Indian Ocean islander and discovered why she is about to cook up a musical storm.

But first the introductions. In case you are wondering, Malaika is none other than the dancer whose moves on Diamond Platnumz's 'Jeje' video have been seared into the brains of more than half of the male human species. She has also performed for other top artists such as Katy Perry Macklemore, and Tiwa Savage, and has appeared on TV shows including The Voice. Now you get why she is ready to release music in her own right, don't you?

MUSIC IN AFRICA: Who is Malaika Salatis, as an individual and as an artist?

MALAIKA SALATIS: They are pretty much the same. The individual puts the hard work behind walls and the artist delivers the entertainment. They serve each other. Then, I try to spend as much time as I can with my family because they tend to keep me grounded. It is a very tough industry and you often get driven by your emotions. It doesn’t always come easily to make a move in the entertainment business as a woman, and emotions are not very welcome.

But as I tend to use them a lot to create, I have to push myself away when a difficult situation comes in. If I don’t, you go into a war with a very male-towered industry which gives place to them to believe that you are not strong enough and it is a lost battle in advance. And I'm in search of balance because the point is to stay objective and to raise a voice. It is the role I’d like to keep as an artist. The individual spends her time understanding one situation and the artist gives life to this situation.

When did the music bug bite? At what age did you realise you wanted to be a singer?

I have always dreamt of being a singer. I still have VHS footage of me on stage with a microphone at the age of three. But you know life goes on and you forget what you love. You try to fit into boxes and believe once you’ll find yours, the dream will go away. Then you realise, you still don’t fit in. The passion still burns the same way. But you lose confidence as time goes and your voice weakens a little bit more every day. It feels like a miracle to have jumped over the fence that stopped you all these years.

How has the journey been so far?

A journey full of emotions! It feels like jazz. You don’t know what tomorrow is going to look like. But you have to be ready. It’s a nice trip to be part of when you disregard some of the negative aspects.

Could you name some of your latest releases?

The first and only one: ‘Give It All’

What shapes/inspires your music?

I’m not so sure but I’ll probably say a box. I remember being confronted by a music producer once and he tried to help me figure out who I was as an artist. And I started to give all my influences but they were completely opposite characters to each other. It felt like I had to make a choice and I couldn’t be a version of all of them. Of course, I did not want to make a choice and I needed to work with the right person. With time, I understood it was not really about going in and out of boxes meaning copying their style. But how I was going to create mine, create my own vocal texture and be true to the way I sing disregarding the beat or the music that would accompany me and shape my own style.

What do you hope to achieve as an artist?

I have worked behind walls for a long time in the art industry as a talent. Having the opportunity to put myself forward as an artist comes with the hope of always delivering something sincere and qualitative. Also, I hope for myself to constantly enjoy the work I do in this field.

Who are some of your biggest influences?

Beyoncé is the queen of the entertainment industry. You may like her or not, but she is constant; she shows discipline and hard work. Lauryn Hill for all she has given us; the sincerity of her poetry and her militantism. Also, Cesária Évora. She has inspired me a lot by how her voice, her melody, and her music have passed through time and highlighted Cape Verde.

What role do your Reunion roots play in your music?

I guess as Reunionese, we are still looking for our identity because our history is complex. So, I tend to look at the brightest side. I wanted my music to travel through the territory with an outside point of view, change the lens, and walk away from any frustration we may have. My music producer shares this vision with me and I am very appreciative of this. When we create, he would always bring nicely some of our identity in the production. We care about the sense of pride to be who we are.

How would you describe your music?

I’d say it tries to find its way out. It is a work in progress and a constant search of understanding what I’d like to feel. Harmonies don’t always come to you easily but they will come.

Apart from music, what else are you involved in?

I’m involved in way too many things, and it is not always a good thing. But I’m very passionate. My situations require a lot of my intention when I try to produce and bring something forward. I started to lead a group of dancers on the island. Then I came to realise, that I had to lead them from A to Z through training, understanding rhythm or muscle memories and more. This small part brings me back to my years in video production, graphism, and marketing. So, I started to interest myself more in production. As a creative director, I have jumped into directing. Bit by bit, I’d say this is a whole hub of creativity from the design to its identity. And it doesn’t only concern my career anymore. But how a whole community can move faster together.

What is it like being a dancer for some of music's biggest acts?

It's my vitamin C. I love sharing a stage with someone who has experience in this industry. There is literally someone who allows you to share a moment with him. And it is a beautiful feeling.

Does dancing play a big role in your production?

A massive role! It has allowed me to understand one aspect of art, and slowly brought me more comprehension of the risk you need to take in any type of production.

Future projects?

My album! And maybe some other crazy ideas I’ll be jumping into.