[17.54.. RWANDA] Intersections with Malaïka Urbani

WHAT TO EXPECT...WHEN YOU PUSH PLAY In this episode, Kondwani is joined by Malaika Urbani, a dynamic creative whose work bridges the worlds of art, culture, and storytelling. With a deep passion for preserving and celebrating African heritage, Malaika uses her platform to amplify voices, challenge narratives, and push the boundaries of artistic expression. She shares her journey into the creative space, music's role in her life, and her EP, Call Me What I Become. Whether you're an artist, a cultural enthusiast, or someone passionate about the power of storytelling, this conversation is packed with insight, inspiration, and thought-provoking ideas. Tune in for a rich discussion on creativity, music, and the transformative power of art. LEAN IN, LISTEN UP...AND LEARN You may see Malaïka as the finished product—polished and refined—but she sees herself as the process, constantly evolving, learning, and growing. Malaïka is a **mezzo-soprano**, meaning her voice naturally sits in a slightly lower range compared to a soprano. While mezzo-sopranos can still have an impressive vocal range, their most comfortable and natural tones lie in the lower to mid-range, giving their voice a rich, warm quality. She doesn’t believe in seeing things as “finite accomplishments,” and would much rather appreciate the moment she is in and how far she has gotten. Malaïka said it is really important to her to see everything as a journey and enjoy that journey she is on. While working on her EP, Call Me What I Become, Malaïka brought together young animators from around the world and local musicians to create a synthesis of her love of classical music and traditional Rwandan music. As the composer behind Call Me What I Become Malaïka wrote the entire composition, yet surprisingly, she never considered singing on the EP—only realizing it after the project was already complete. In the interview, Malaïka shares how classical music makes her feel more vulnerable, highlighting her song *Purple Iris* and the impact of her co-collaborator, **Nadia Boucher**. As both her vocal coach and collaborating pianist, Nadia guided her through the nuances of classical music, deepening her connection to the genre. MUST WATCH FROM OUR GUEST Malaïka Urbani Performs "I Worry Too Much": https://youtu.be/tiAMCWUOOiM?si=weRGF3M1TwhwXdEU Call Me What I Become - Part 1 of a series to experience - https://www.instagram.com/malaika.urbani/reel/DA6M2C-uoBr/ FIND AND FOLLOW 54LIGHTS Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/crowd54/ Email guest referrals, comments and stories to [email protected] (feedback welcome…complaints and hate, not so much) 54Lights is committed to illuminating the African experience...one story (beat) at a time.