R’n’B melodies, rhythmic pop musings and a whole lot of spunk: say hello to UAE-raised Malavika Das.
The 24-year-old Indian singer, gearing up for a debut EP, released her first single Jackpot last year, a domineering track inspired by the greats: Stevie Wonder, Sly & the Family Stone and Aretha Franklin.
For her, it was all about spreading a message of self-love.
“Jackpot is a girl power anthem that is about knowing your worth and not settling for less. I wanted to go back in time with this one and bring back the real good old music,” she told tabloid!.
At 19, Malavika, who goes by her first name only, was studying Marketing and Finance at the American University in Dubai when she got her big break: a scholarship to Berklee College of Music. She transferred her credits and made the move to Boston.
“It made me discover a new side to myself and helped me find my artistic identity in a way. It was such a great environment to be in, with people from over 96 countries,” she said.
“It instilled this fire in me and inspired me to work harder than ever.”
Ever since, Malavika has been able to pay homage to several of her biggest inspirations on stage. She celebrated the Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony award-winning Rita Moreno at the Agganis Arena in Boston for a crowd of more than 7,000. She also paid tribute “to one of my biggest inspirations Mr AR Rahman at the Boston Symphony Hall. It was a true honour.”
In Dubai, Malavika even performed for former American president Bill Clinton.
But she had an interest in theatre, too. She took up roles in local productions of We Will Rock You and Hairspray.
“I absolutely love dancing, so I was naturally attracted to theatre. Queen is a big inspiration to any musician and being a part of We Will Rock You and playing the lead role in Scaramouche was truly an enriching experience,” she said.
As part of Hairspray, Malavika worked with members of the original West End cast, including the Laurence Olivier award-winning Leanne Jones.
Her interest in entertainment started at a young age. Growing up, she was “super chatty and I absolutely loved to be a part of anything related to performing arts,” she said, adding: “I started giving speeches when I was 3 years old.”
Being the youngest of three siblings — her sister is 12 years older and her brother is 9 years her senior — had its advantages, too.
“I almost always got away with most things,” she recalled. “My parents always listened to great music from Rahman to Michael Jackson, Tracy Chapman, Janet Jackson, Tina Turner, Whitney Houston, Madonna and Celine Dion. The list is endless.”
Now based in Los Angeles, Malavika is getting ready to make a mark of her own. She is currently working on the release of her second single, Voodoo, and her first EP.
“Hopefully, by the end of the year or early next year, I will follow up with an album,” she said.
