Born on the beautiful Caribbean island of Saint-Martin, music was an integral part of Malaïka’s life from a very early age. Being surrounded by music at home and involved in her father's gospel band helped her to realize her love for music very early on in her life. Her father, Michael Maxwell, who was the founder of The Music Workshop instilled in her the love of music and helped her to discover the gift she had for that art form. With years of classical music training under her belt, Malaïka left for Martinique in 1999 to further her studies where she made her way onto the musical scene on the French-speaking island. She has worked as a background vocalist with some of the greatest in French Reggae such as the group 4 Hard Way, Tiwony, Lusdy, Mounia, Valley, Pleen Pyroman, Mc Janik Malaïka returned home in 2009, and it didn’t take long for her to get back to what makes her heart beat- music. She started doing occasional background vocals for various local artists such as Percy Rankin and Remo, who both gave her the opportunity to take the stage as a lead singer during their performances. Malaïka is also known for her studio background vocals and has worked for many artists of the island: Jérémie Huot, Twin Monarchy, D.O Gizzle, Fatta and King Vers among others. She was also an active member of the group AKOUSTYLE with Natisha Hanson and Fabian Charbonnier. In 2012 Malaïka founded OUALICHI PRODUCTIONS with her sister Heidy Maxwell and lifelong friend Shakiya Arrindell (2016 St. Maarten Calypso Monarch). This association aims to put on productions blending diverse art forms featuring artists that are not household names. Oualichi Productions provides a platform for local talent to showcase their various gifts and talents in an effort to promote the beauty and variety of art in all its forms. Her growing experience and never-ending hard work have helped Malaika to perfect her singing (even though she often states that she is far from perfection). Her idols are soulful singers Etta James and Jill Scott who serve as very big sources of inspiration to her. Although Reggae is her first love she has discovered a much more intimate way of communicating with her audience through soul and acoustic music- thus expanding her range. On October 10th, Malaïka received the National Institute of Arts “Emerging Artist Award 2016”. An award recognizing her “level of discipline, professionalism, creativity and vision” in the Arts. Encouraged by her experiences and surroundings, she completed her first solo performance which came to life at AXUM ART CAFÉ in Philipsburg. Her live performance, “The Journey to Me” spanned over two hours and told her very intimate but relatable story. The response from the public and press was more than what the singer anticipated confirming that she could no longer hide in the shadows. Backed by well-known musicians from the island, such as Michael Wilson, Eddy Manlius, Adorius Illis and Leonardo Richardson; as well as talented singers Shirlenn Honoré and Shakiya Arrindell, Malaïka is preparing her second live solo musical production. Her first original, in collaboration with fellow local artist, Shawn J, and Zamar Musical Productions is also underway. Malaïka reflects on her journey and acknowledges that from the beginning, music has been her constant. It is her joy and her passion, and she is excited, humbled and honored to bring her gift to you.