Mali Music Makes Gospel Mainstream [VIDEO]
“Early life for me was very confusing; it was like a tug and a pull. A lot of times when you tap into what it is that you’re supposed to do, you’re lonely– you’re by yourself.”
Words spoken by a self-proclaimed “country boy” hailing from Savannah, Ga. Mali Music is a multitalented musician and singer/songwriter. Though recently signed to RCA records, Mali Music is far from a newcomer.
The southern church boy served for many years as Minister of Music at his hometown church and later burst onto the mainstream scene as a producer. Furthermore, he’s been releasing his original music independently by using the power and influence of the Internet.
“My first concert, 2000 people showed up and that’s all because of MySpace music,” said Mali Music.
Entertainment network BET caught wind of the commotion Mali, who’s real name is Kortney Jamaal Pollard, had been causing and incorporated him into it’s Music Matters Showcase in 2011.
The BET Music Matters initiative, launched in 2010, highlights emerging new talent like J. Cole, Marsha Ambrosious, Miguel, Melanie Fiona and Elle Varner, with a monthly showcase.
Following his epic performance, Mali Music was offered the opportunity to perform at the 2011 BET Awards. During that gospel performance, rapper Akon signed him to his “KonLive” management company and sent him on his way to the top.
In March of this year, 2013, Mali Music broke records becoming RCA’s first Gospel act ever! Mali is not surprised. He believes that at the age of 7 years old he knew exactly what he was supposed to do and began acting like a star. He said that behavior landed him on his parents’ bad side sometimes, but understands it was all, “Divine interception from all the trouble that I would’ve gotten in,” said Mali. “I was distracted emotionally with my purpose.”
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In the next five years, Mali expects his movement of spreading hope and positivity to “do what it’s doing now. To continue to be infectious, continue to win more and more people over and possibly change the climate of the entire music industry right now. I think this is something very new and refreshing– there’s nothing like it, but I think its necessary and it’s a doorway to unlock the hundred of millions of people who express themselves like me. so I’m literally building a platform for the new wave of artists to stand on.”
His greatest musical influences are: Church, Sam Cooke (for his Art of Storytelling and “Gospel edge,”) Otis Redding (for his inflections,) Marvin Gaye (for his musical evolution,) Bilal (is Mali’s favorite singer of all times,) D’angelo (Mali calls him the King of Soul,) and lastly, the King of Pop Michael Jackson.
Mali Music’s dream collaborations include working with artists Cee-Lo, Andre 3000 and Lauryn Hill.
Keep up with Mali Music online:
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