Malik

Malik: "If God has given you a talent, you must make sure you utilize it to the best of your ability, because tomorrow is not guaranteed."

Being eliminated from the first "Pop Stars" because of his lack of dance skills, was a blessing in disguise for 22-year-old Malik. But reaching the Top 30 gave him the exposure and contacts that he needed. He was given a list of producers and companies that would be interested in his incredible talent. One of the producers on that list was Kyllex of Yizo Yizo fame. Having admired his remarkable producing capabilities, Malik phoned Kyllex and had an unusual audition process, first recording a track with Kyllex where he was blown away by Malik's vocal capabilities.

But it was not as simple as one, two, three. Malik still had to wait weeks before Kyllex called him back. But he received the call — a call to come and feature in Kyllex's album, Jemza House Beats in the Afro House track "Sengi Khathele."

Malik's musical influences are Miriam Makeba, Bilal, Maxwell, R Kelly, and Zola. But he stresses that working with Kyllex's beats has been a fulfilling experience. Malik believes that Kyllex's beats fused with his melodic voice will take him to the international stage. I'm Free is an Afro pop house album that is designed to ease the every day stresses of life and brighten up an otherwise hectic life.

Releasing his debut album, Malik has exceeded all of the expectation that many thought he would not be able to meet.

— Courtesy Calabash Music