‘I still have lots to offer’: Singer Malik picks up the mic again after working behind the scenes

Malik, real name Sabelo Zwane, is making his long-anticipated comeback in the music industry.

Speaking to TshisaLIVE, the 42-year-old singer. who has been making music for years and was signed by Ghetto Ruff, said he did not intentionally take a break but he stepped away from the limelight that came with the industry.

“I continued producing for other artists and produced a lot of music for TV and radio. I got a chance to see my artistry in the industry from a different angle, as I was not in the game for the first time. It made me realise where I should position myself as a singer and how I should be comfortable with the music I produce and write,” he said.

Malik said he made a comeback as he felt he still had a lot to offer the industry. “I felt a vacuum in me and something I love so much was being neglected. My music heals. It makes one feel like they’re not alone. People relate to issues I write about. It was imperative I come back. I could no longer deprive myself and people.”

Malik said Lance Stehr gave him an opportunity to record and release his music for the first time professionally. In 2006, he released his album I am Free and parted ways with the record label in 2012 because he wanted to grow as a musician and release his music under his label Likstar ENT.

“I just released my self-titled album on November 22. It’s a 17-track album since my last single release in 2022. The album is a combination of Afrosoul, Afrobeat and R&B and beautiful singalong melodies.

“I had all the time to cook this one. I was lucky and blessed to work with talented musicians that feature on the album — Trevor Mako, Dlala Regal, Gedleza, Ringo Madlingozi and Vusi Nova. I look forward to more collaborations with artists such as Thando Zide, Lira, Thandiswa and Manana.”

Asked what challenges artists face in the music industry, he said: “There are challenges in the industry and they can make one lose hope and give up. Sometimes there are no bookings or gigs. Sometimes radio won’t play your song. There’s a lot of ugliness in the industry — drugs, payola and jealousy — but it’s blissful and wonderful when things come together.”

Malik is scheduled for a performance at Soul Therapy Picnic at Sam Ntuli Stadium in Thokoza, Ekurhuleni, on December 7, with Vusi Nova, Donald, Musa, T-Bose, DJ Young and many others.

“I’ve achieved and lost during my journey in the music industry. The lows are always there but we soldier on.”

Malik said his goal was to keep releasing music from Likstar ENT for new talented musicians. “Kyllex gave me a chance, so I want to continue to do that for others.”

TshisaLIVE