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Malijah is the kind of rare singer who comes along once every generation, a kind of singer who has the remarkable ability to combine family values, humour and religion in his message-oriented music so that the whole world can rock to it.
The singer’s latest combination hit song, “No Combo” (Breakfast in Bed), done with former model Zenesha Riley, has been generating a lot of buzz in the local and international reggae community because of exactly those qualities. The video for the song peaked at the number one spot on RE TV MVP Charts and debut at the number eight spot on Juice TV Best By Request Chart.
“The song is more than just a single that promotes healthy eating, it is funny but serious and urges you to take a look at your lifestyle, and make the changes so you can live a healthier, more upful life, there is a message beneath it all, you have to set your thing right, no one else can do it for you,” Malijah explained.
The name, ‘Malijah’ means ‘warner’, and don’t let his quiet exterior and unassuming manner fool you, he is a soldier for righteousness. One only has to listen to his body of work to realize that.
You may have already heard the lyrically resonant song called ‘Gideon Soldier’, which has been getting good rotation on radio. It is accompanied by a brilliantly conceived video which peaked at number two spot on CVM Hitlist. The medley video also features Capleton and Fanton Mojah. Malijah has been working assiduously towards completing his album titled “Freedom Street”. A number of tracks are already complete. When you listen to some of his album material with songs such as ‘King of Kings’ featuring Anthony B, and ‘When It’s Done’, it is clear that Malijah is on a spiritual track towards the tenets of righteousness and justice. And he will not be swayed.
Born Naval Lee Bennett, Malijah grew up in a household where music was the essential soundtrack of daily life as his mother; Cecelia Allen was an excellent singer. So when he grew up, destiny’s hands nudged him gently into the entertainment business. However, it took a few years for him to immerse himself fully as he started out doing Michael Jackson sing-overs before he found his own voice.
Then luck smiled on him. He met producer Nando Garcia who put some creative and financial muscle behind a project that would show just what Malijah could accomplish.
“Bongo Herman had approached Nando with a do-over rhythm for ‘Breakfast in Bed’ and then Nando approached Zenny and me to write the words to the rhythm and we voiced it and the rest, as they say, is history,” he said.
The rhythm features marquis musicians such as Sly Dunbar (drums), Mikey Chung (bass), and Dean Fraser (horns). And with the syrupy sweet vocals of Zenesha Riley --his musical partner on the song – there is no doubt that the song itself is carved in reggae oak: solid.
The singer has performed extensively in Europe, playing gigs in France, Spain and Switzerland, as well as shows in the Bahamas, Cayman Islands, and the Canary Islands, off the coast of Africa. He has a number of overseas engagements already booked for later this year.
In the meantime, signed to Nicetime Music Inc Malijah is heavily promoting the “No Combo” (Breakfast in Bed) single with Zenny, and his fiery single ‘Gideon Soldier’. Building his fan base and getting some songs in the charts and broaden his international scope is his main focus.
