Local musician Malaïka Maxwell has been a lover of the arts from a tender age, and has grown to see a collaborative project, Vision & Voice, blossom over the past years – that’s one, among a number of exciting ventures. Adaptive and passionate, the songstress finds inspiration from lots of different places, and always looks on the bright side.
You’ll recognise her from “The Journey to Me” concert series at Axum Café, SXM’s Girls Night Out (the official host), Soulful Company, Vision & Voice, Oualichi Festival, We Showdown II, SXM Peace Concert, A Pan Revolution, the Governor’s Ball, and her first single “This Journey” which was released in 2017.
- Let’s start at the beginning! When did you fall in love with music, or know that it would be a significant part of your life?
Music was an integral part of my life from a very early age. Being surrounded by music at home and involved in my father’s gospel band helped me to realise my love for music very early on.
My father, Michael Maxwell, is the founder of The Music Workshop: Thus, music was just always around. The first time I sang on stage, I was three years old. Today I am 30-something (giggles). Let’s just say that I have been on-stage for over 30 years now.
When I left the island in 1999 to further my studies in Martinique, I very quickly became active on the local reggae scene as a background vocalist with some of the greatest in French Caribbean Reggae, such as 4 Hard Way, Tiwony, Lusdy, Mounia, Valley, Pleen Pyroman, and Mc Janik, to name a few.
I settled back home in 2009 and it didn’t take long for me to get active again. I had the opportunity to share the stage and work on projects with Percy Rankin, Remo, Jérémie Huot, Twin Monarchy, D.O. Gizzle, Fatta and King Vers among others, and was part of one of the island’s first acoustic formations AKOUSTYLE with Natisha Hanson and Fabian Charbonnier.
On October 10, I had the honour of receiving the National Institute of Arts’ Emerging Artist Award 2016 – an award recognising an artist’s “level of discipline, professionalism, creativity and vision” in the arts. In a nutshell, music was just always there!
- Have you always gravitated towards certain genres? Where do you find inspiration?
Growing up in a Christian home, I started out with gospel exclusively. I’ve always loved reggae – that’s because of my father – haha. I’ve learned to appreciate neo soul and R&B. However, my performances are very eclectic. You will hear me perform Latin music, rock n roll, zouk, kompa, even a little groovy soca.
I pay more attention to the lyrics of the song rather than the genre. You know how sometimes you hear a song and feel like the writer is in your head? THAT’S what I love about music. Inspiration comes from everything for me – life experiences, the people I know, their experiences... When putting performances together, I try to think of the overall mood I want to set, and pick from there.
- How did “Vision & Voice” come together?
Vision & Voice is my little baby (smiles) and wonderful adventure! It started out as just two friends, also artists (Cameron and myself) wanting to collaborate. Kareem quickly came on board and before we knew it, we were planning year-three!
When we initially started out, we had no idea how the public would react. We are still very much surprised by the turnout for year-one. Year-two was beyond our expectations. We took the bar up a notch for year-three, but as all promoters worldwide, COVID-19 has made it a struggle, to say the least.
Vision & Voice is a threefold art event centred on photography, music and gastronomy. Our ultimate goal is to make it a platform for ART in the Caribbean region. As we grow, we would like to have artists from other islands featured.
The fun part about producing your own event is that you are really able to express yourself and do things according to your vision. It has been an awesome adventure that I am blessed to go on with Cameron and Kareem who are both extremely talented artists in their respective fields.
- You recently acted in the local film “And here comes the groom” written by Latoya Lake. How was that experience? Is acting for you?
Maaann!!! “And here comes the groom” was a whole vibe!!! I am so grateful for that opportunity – Shout out to Latoya and crew!!! Acting was something I had been wanting to try. I was really surprised when Latoya contacted me and proposed that I play “pregnant Sherry”.
At first, I thought it was a scene in a restaurant and I’d be on stage with my band or something – HA! But when she described the scene, I understood that I’d have to act for real, learn lines and all, and wear a pregnant belly.
I remember telling her “Latoya, I really don’t know, because I’ve never done this. Let’s try it out and see. If I’m horrible tell me!” We did a few run-throughs and the rest can be seen in the movie (giggles).
I loved the experience. It was quite interesting as I worked in a production company several years back and was always “on the other side” of the camera. Acting is definitely something I’d like to do again. Hint-hint to all producers out there!
- How have the restrictions related to COVID-19 been affecting your work? What are you most looking forward to when the situation is under control?
The restrictions have made it very difficult for us (Vision & Voice) as our event generally gathers roughly 300 persons and is very cosy. We’ve had to reschedule twice (initial date was March, then April, then August). We have finally taken the decision to postpone until further notice – in other words, until we have a clearer vision on how to go about hosting this event in the safest environment for all involved: attendees, performers, production crew.
It is a bit frustrating, but health should be placed above all. I am blessed to have a very understanding circle around me and we are able to make decisions together. Shout out to my sister, My Band (yes, that’s the actual name of the band) and to Dr Fire Entertainment.
What I’m looking forward to the most? This is not music related, but simply St. Martin getting back on track; families being able to provide for their needs; my fellow St. Martiners finally getting a much-needed break!
- I’m solving the health crisis and offering a venue, funding, and a project manager. You’re in charge of the night’s entertainment for 50 guests and can collaborate with any artist(s) you like. What will the evening look like?
A LUXURY EDITION OF VISION & VOICE! It would include a three-course dinner cooked by Chef Kareem Brooks, with white glove service; huge wall sized prints of photography by Cameron Hyman; live performance by myself with My Band; over the top decoration by Pretty Tables, with sound and lights by Dr Fire Entertainment. Featured artists? None other than our very own Oswald and Kenyo Baly. THAT is my PERFECT night!!!
Interested in following Malaïka? Find her on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube @ Malaïka Maxwell, or on Instagram @ Malaika1.
