| Makayla Malaka | |
| Birth Name: | Makayla Oghenefejiro Oluwayimika Malaka |
| Birth Date: | 27 June 2012 |
| Birth Place: | London, United Kingdom |
| Occupation: | Singer, songwriter, rapper |
| Instrument: | Vocals |
| Years Active: | 2019–present |
Makayla Oghenefejiro Oluwayimika Malaka, (born 27 June 2012) popularly known as Makayla Malaka, is a British-Nigerian singer and dancer.[1] She began her music career as a child singer, releasing her debut album at age eight.[2]
Makayla is from Isoko North in Delta state. She was born in Camden, London, United Kingdom. She resides in Lagos, Nigeria with her parents and is the only child.[3]
Makayla started her career at six years old, recording her first songs. In 2020, she released her debut album titled Eight, at age eight,[4] followed by two more albums, released the next year and the year after that; titled Nine and Ten respectively.[5] [6] The song on her first album titled Grandma Told Me was remixed by Speroach,[7] while her third album had features with commediene Emmanuella Samuel and saxophonist Temilayo Abodunrin on the track titled Yes O.[8] [9]
In 2022, she authored the book titled African Princess,[10] which told the story of the experience and value as a young girl growing in a male-dominated Nigerian society.[11] The book was an adaptation of one of the tracks from her Sophomore album with the same name. It was co-authored by Sope Martins and was made available to schools.[12] The book was released on 27 May 2022.[13]
In an interview with The Punch, she cites her role model as Michael Jackson.[14] Mr Eazi acknowledged her work in a tweet, after the release of her debut album.[15] In 2023, she released the song Not Likely under Mr Eazi's EmPawa Africa record label.[16]
Her genres of music are children's music and afro pop, which she terms as child friendly.[17] Makayla believes that every child has a gift etched in them.[18] [19] She is of the opinion that children should only be exposed to clean music.[20]
Makayla was tipped by Pulse Nigeria and the Nigerian Tribune as an artiste to look out for in the future, in 2020 and 2022 respectively.[21] [22]
| Year | Album | Tracks |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Eight[23] | Grandma Told Me2:53 |
| You Can't Stop Me2:45 | ||
| Just Dance2:20 | ||
| Give Me Food3:17 | ||
| Imagination2:03 | ||
| Saturday3:51 | ||
| Star3:04 | ||
| Lord You Are2:48 | ||
| Year | Album | Tracks |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Nine[24] | Taking Over2:25 |
| African Princess3:15 | ||
| Happy Birthday2:25 | ||
| Don't Give Up2:38 | ||
| Dreamer3:07 | ||
| Thank You God2:52 | ||
| Get Up and Go3:08 | ||
| The 2020 Trees3:35 | ||
| Older2:50 | ||
| Year | Album | Tracks |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Ten[25] | I'll Be Alright3:03 |
| The Young Shall Grow2:54 | ||
| Jericho3:07 | ||
| No Be Today3:00 | ||
| Yes O!2:34 | ||
| We Shall Win3:04 | ||
| Sit Down2:28 | ||
| Homework2:46 | ||
| I'm Not A Morning Person2:44 | ||
| Biggy Love2:53 | ||
| Year | Album | Tracks |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Eleven | I'm Not Playing1:57 |
| Hello Eleven3:07 | ||
| I'm Coming Up3:14 | ||
| Not Likely featuring ETwinz2:49 | ||
| Heal The World2:41 | ||
| Step Aside3:08 | ||
| Strike A Pose2:13 | ||
| Just Another Day4:05 | ||
| So Satisfying2:28 | ||
| Hunger Na Wa2:36 | ||
| Praise God3:10 | ||
She was one of the recipients of the 2022 Eko Heritage Awards where she won the Eko Celebrity Kid of the Year. The awards show held on 10 July 2022. She also performed live at the awards show.[26] [27]