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GET TO KNOW: Du Malai

Writer's picture: The Real DingThe Real Ding


After recently following up his latest EP 'Heart Bus Despair' with the stunning comeback single 'Into Me' earlier this year, Texas-based artist Du Malai returns to the fold once again with his pulsing new anthem 'Heart Bus Desire'.


Lifted from his forthcoming new EP, which is set to drop on Valentine's Day next year, 'Heart Bus Desire' makes for a brilliantly bold and bouncing listen. With his rich and shimmering voice layered across a progressive R&B production throughout, he is certainly one to keep a firm eye on for the months ahead as well.


So with the new single available to stream now, we sat down with him to find out more about his origins and influences over the years.


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What was the first band or artist you fell in love with?


The very first artist I fell in love with was Michael Jackson. I grew up in a household where I was exposed to African music, Bollywood, Country, R&B and everything in between. The thing I love about MJ is that his music is universal. It’s unique to his voice and loved by those from all walks of life.


Did you ever form a band when you were younger and if so, what did they sound like?


In high school, myself and my childhood friends got together to start a rap group called Da Grim Reapers. Nearly two decades later it’s exciting to make music with L-Dizzy, Siddamastamind and Young Pal as independent artists. It is amazing to see how much we have all grown and none of us would have expected to hear our song on the radio or streaming platforms.


What has been your primary inspiration in writing music?


After the pandemic, my mental health completely deteriorated. In the midst of this crisis I wrote Reset which kicked off the Mentality EP. That EP pulled me out of a dark time in my life and has allowed me to process and ultimately mend. Today I continue to explore mental health and emotional regulation as I navigate what it means to be human.


What is a song you wish you had written yourself?


John Legend’s Ordinary People speaks to me so much. It captures the essence of what it means to be human, ordinary and filled with love. In my music I love to tell stories. Legend tells such a rich story and builds a beautiful tapestry of everyday love.


If there was any moment in your career you could relive, what would it be?


I just started last year! When I put out Mentality I was focused on healing. The music was really for me. What was surprising was how much the stories resonated with others. That moment gave me a spark and the courage to pursue work as a recording artist in earnest. It is the anchor that keeps me motivated.


Which artist would you most love to share a stage with?


I would love to make a song with Nigerian sensations P-Square. As afrobeats artists who borrow many of my similar inspirations - artists like Michael Jackson and songs with R&B/Hip Hop sensibilities - I grew up loving their sound, storytelling and dancing. As a choreographer, it would be amazing to create a dope performance on stage. We could do the Alingo!


And is there an artist you would love to collaborate with as well?


My dream collaboration would be Janelle Monae. I believe she’s probably one of the best storytellers in music today. Her work is unique, fresh, quirky, and unabashedly her. Many Moons is one of my favorite songs til this day.

Where do you see yourself in five years time?


I’m in an exciting stage in my life where literally anything can happen. What I know for sure is that I will continue to create, tell stories, invent dances and simply be an artist.


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Du Malai's new single 'Heart Bus Desire' is available to stream now. Check it out below.



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