Eli Maliki is a Kenyan Ugandan Neo Soul Fusion musician, songwriter, and live performer. His unique, strong yet mellow style of music is soothing and enchanting. Eli Maliki’s sound is an effortless blend of Soul, RnB, and sounds of African heritage.

In 2015, he released his debut album, ‘Hey’ – a 14-track ensemble that embodies soulful vocals, intricate live music instrumentation, and songwriting expertise. This album is the home to songs such as ‘Grateful’ and ‘Jichunguze’. As a live performer, Eli Maliki has graced several stages some of which include; Blankets and Wine Kampala, Sauti za Busara Festival, and Zanzibar International Film Festival to mention a few.

The ‘Jichunguze’ singer took a hiatus after the release of ‘Hey’ but made a comeback last year by dropping the first single titled ‘Nyumbani’ which is off his upcoming EP Maliki-fy. Other released songs in this collection are ‘Lubeerera’, and ‘Sema’. Recently, Eli walked us through his music career including a glimpse of his upcoming EP Maliki-fy.

Why did you choose to pursue music? 

I didn't choose music, music chose me. According to my mum, I started making music in her womb. And I agree.

What made you take a hiatus from recording new music?

I wanted to re-evaluate, re-structure, and re-strategies. This helped me grow and evolve. It's always necessary to take a break from whatever it is that you are doing, check your strengths and weaknesses, and plan for a better way forward.

What words best describe your sound?

Soul, love, happiness, and glitter.

Which artist(s) inspire your music and why do you look up to them?

There are a bunch of them really. Ms Lauryn Hill, D'Angelo, Richard Bona, and the list goes on. Their music is timelines and soulful.

So far you have released some of the tracks off your upcoming EP - Maliki-fy. What can fans expect in this upcoming EP, and how is it different from your 2015 debut album -HEY?

Fans should expect soulful, Afro vibrations that will make them fall in love again and dance their socks off. The new EP (Maliki-fy) is definitely different from my old Album (HEY). New EP is more upbeat than the old Album. Also, it represents the grown version of me as an artist, producer & writer. I've learned a lot of things between 2015 and 2023 and I was glad to showcase them in my new EP.

What was your first ever live show and how was it?

Ooh wow! I vividly remember my very first-ever solo live show. It was a very special acoustic set. It was 2011 at a place called Fasfas in Kampala, Uganda. I didn't have expectations; it was raw, spontaneous, and very experimental. It was special for sure!

As a seasoned live performer who has graced many live stages, what is the one thing that you know for sure about entertaining a live crowd?

One thing for sure is connecting with your crowd to a level of making them feel you singing to each one of them in that big crowd.

What are some of your favorite moments as an artist in your journey so far?

The feedback I get from fans on how they connect to my music and how it makes them feel, how it empowers and gives them positive energy. That is priceless.

How do you deal with bad days at work as a musician?

I take a little time off, watch something inspirational then get back to work.

What does your support system look like?

Majorly family. I come from a family of 7, I am the second last born and they always got my back. I can count on them anytime, any day.

What are you looking forward to in 2023?

Am looking forward to growth, performing on as many stages as I can, connecting with different creative minds, and of course making that money.

Apart from the EP, are there any other projects in the works?

Absolutely. Absolutely. I will disclose this when the time is right

Which artists are on your collaboration wish list?

Nyashinski, Sho Madjozi, Khaligraph Jones, Kendrick Lamar, Common, The whole Sol Generation gang

Do you live by any mantra? If so, what is it?

Yes. There is always room at the top.

Photo Credits Daniel Kempf-Seifried

Presave Maliki-fy here