Malia Carine Uwamahoro in Focus: Another Rwandan making it big in Europe

The influence of R&B/Soul/pop greats of yesteryear comes to mind when you listen to Malia Carine Uwamahoro sing. Her songs are effortless, elegant and timeless in a way that is rare in this generation of artistes. Born in Bruxelles, Belgian, Malia, as she is fondly known, discovered music early in her life and started by singing in a local gospel choir. Soon she was showing off her impressive pipes at school events and other celebration parties, working intensively with vocal coaches and learning operating techniques; Malia has diligently and lovingly cooked up the ingredients for her music.She continued with this demanding routine, and sang opera with a local children choir. But despite her rigorous classical training, she was drawn to more contemporary genres. “I’m more into pop, R&B, new soul wave type of music,” Malia says. She is inspired by an eclectic array of modern sounds and artistes such as India Arie, Adele, Alicia keys and Tina Turner.Malia has travelled and visited different countries around the world and it is this influence from various journeys that later gave her music all its colours and the charm. She has been nurturing her expressive style and is looking forward to showing the world more of her exquisite soulful sound.With the help of Hollywood’s renowned multi-platinum producers Jeff Blue and Mike Gonsolin of Trend Def Studios, Malia recorded a demo. “Recently, I met Jeff and Mike at Trend Def Studios in Hollywood and we just hit it off immediately, the guys were so passionate about creating truthful music that speaks from soul to soul,” Malia recites. “They instantly understood the sound and feel I was looking for… so I asked them to co-produce the demo for me and I thank God they said yes!’Her music represents a strong evolution of her unique style and ventures into fresh and bold sonic terrain for the critically acclaimed singer/songwriter. These confessional tales of love and life represent a new direction for this singular artiste as she advances her journey in music.“I experienced great change in my life ever since I started singing, and while writing my songs all I want to do is to create a sound that in some way captures that state of change,” Malia notes.Her creative soul has no borders as she sings in English, Spanish and French, which will help her achieve the goal of having an international career.Despite the fact that there is no musician in her family, Malia has always been attracted by music since her childhood.Malia studied from Montreal Academy of Music, where she studied guitar, and drama – she has a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration.She participated in the ‘Festival Hip-hop Forever’ in which she received an award for ‘Best Newcomer Artiste’ in the R&B category and the piece: ‘I keep on dreaming’ (with well known arranger Sonny Black who has worked with Corneille and Kamaro) is on the compilation of the Festival which is sold at all the record outlets of Montreal. She also took part at the Festival Nuits d’Afrique, where she shared the stage with singer Maria de Barros - all these stage experiences forged her character, firmed up her will and confirmed her love of the music.Her music conveys a striking collection of moving songs, beautiful and passionate melodies and rich production, all fused together underneath Malia’s silky and captivating voice. The ‘Today I’m Free’ star, who says she is in love with her motherland, is currently in Rwanda to promote her music, and plans to do collaborations with local musicians. “I love my country and I am so glad to be promoting my music here. Rwanda’s music scene is growing and there are very many potential musicians- all they need is everyone’s support to become successful artistes,” Malia adds.It is clear from the first note that there are only bigger things ahead for exceptional Malia’s journey in the music industry. You can discover Malia Carine’s music on her website: http://www.reverbnation.com/maliacarine.

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Malia Carine Uwamahoro in Focus: Another Rwandan making it big in Europe