INTERVIEW: Malunga releases new single 'Who Knows': "We as a people have the power to change the narrative"

Image: Emma Yese
The UK’s Malunga has been releasing music since 2015 and today releases new music in the form of the single ‘Who Knows’. Her third single in as many months, ‘Who Knows’ is a summery, carefree R&B jam with inspirational lyrics on the importance of appreciating life in the moment and an effortlessly stunning vocal performance from Malunga. It showcase Malunga’s remarkable talent at being able to completely mix up her sound, never pinning herself to one genre and reinventing herself with every release. The single ‘Toy’ released in May was a heady, electro/garage banger, while June’s ‘Fly’ was a fully stripped back slice of acoustic guitar pop and with ‘Who Knows’ she embraces soul and R&B. This is one artist it is exciting to watch what comes next. We recently caught up with Malunga to find out more about her career and new single.

Hey Malunga! Thanks for chatting to us. How has life in lockdown been for you?!
Life in lockdown has certainly been up and down! At the beginning I felt like this isn’t real, this isn’t happening and there have been times where I’ve felt a little lost. But in all the madness I’ve found so much strength and I’ve really enjoyed the simple things that I guess we all easily overlook at times.

Congratulations on the release of your new single ‘Who Knows’ it is such a great song! Can you tell us a little bit about the inspiration behind the track?
‘Who Knows’ was written in a moment of frustration similar to what I’ve felt during lockdown actually. It's weird because now is the perfect time for the world to hear it although the song was written a few years ago, it’s been my secret comfort. In the song I’m talking about how life throws unexpected things at us and that sometimes all we’ve got to do is enjoy the ride. I’m letting go and holding on at the same time in ‘Who Knows’ and I really want people to feel the beauty and essence of the unknown.

What was the creative process like for this track?
I worked with the producer Lazy H in his home studio, I feel more comfortable in home studios actually because it’s way more intimate and personal. We started having a chat and he played me the instrumental as an idea and the rest was history. Literally I believe we didn’t do many takes at all! I just vibed the melody and lyrics straight away. It was so organic, just how I like it.

Your music releases to date have been so varied and have drawn on so many different sounds, from R&B to electro to acoustic guitar pop. How important is it for you as an artist to constantly experiment with your sound?
Wow love this question! I’m really thinking here...I just believe that we should be free to express ourselves in whichever way we please. If I wanted to explore rock music tomorrow I would! I dislike being defined because we are never just one thing. Also different genres bring out different sides to my personality. I want everyone to be able to appreciate at least one of my songs ha ha! There’s no limits to creativity. I also think that collaboration brings out different inspirations too. Every person I work with is coming from a different experience too and it’s so interesting to get to know what they like, it’s a lovely connection point. I will definitely continue to challenge myself and experiment. It’s so fun!

Is there a particular aspect of the whole process that you enjoy the most - writing, performing live, recording?
I love all of it, it’s so hard to pick. The recording can sometimes get a little repetitive but the writing process is my therapy. When it comes to live shows what people don’t see is the patience you really need to have. There’s a lot of waiting around and technical sides to it that can sometimes make me anxious, it’s like everything bubbles up to one performance that’s over before my eyes. Seeing and hearing people sing my songs however is actually one of the best feelings on earth. Nothing can replace the magic that’s created in performing live.

If we can take it back the beginning, what role did music play in your life when you were growing up?
Music felt like such a discovery for me, it made me have a stronger sense of self. I felt like I was able to have songs speak for me and say what I didn’t have the guts to say at the time. I wouldn’t say I grew up in a particularly musical household but my older brother and sisters always introduced me to new artists. As I grew up I ventured out more with my taste in music and if I’m being completely honest there’s a lot of music on playlists I’ve created that is only for me, it’s private and I like it that way. For example there's a lot of music I have recorded that I feel might not ever get released. But yet again I don’t actually mind because sometimes the best things are only for you and what’s out there is meant to be out in the world.

Who were the artists that inspired you, or who you looked up to, when you were a child?
I really loved James Morrison, I also remember listening to Ellie Goulding’s first album and getting called strange by my brothers and sisters lol! I also love Jill Scott, India Arie, Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston, Amy Winehouse...the list honestly goes on and on.

How did your career as a musician start, was there a ‘light bulb’ moment or was it something that developed organically?
My career certainly developed organically, I used to attend a youth club and that’s where it all sparked. Also at home actually with my sister because she actually wanted to be the singer first not me ha ha! We formed a girl band at one point too. I also remember doing a talent show in my local Ilford town centre and I reached the semi finals. I guess I just kept having these moments where music was ever present and I kept taking the opportunities and rising to the challenge. I feel like it’s a gift that comes naturally and I’m honestly thankful for it, just to share and have people appreciate what I have to say is amazing.

The music industry has traditionally been very male-dominated, both front of stage and behind the scenes, with women generally not getting the same respect or exposure as their male peers. What are your thoughts on gender equality and sexism in the music industry?
I think that gender inequality definitely exists and as a young woman in the industry I like to focus on what I can do to support and create space for other women. It’s not about competing against each other or creating a culture of comparison or shame. It’s about uplifting each other and standing together for better positions, pay and balance in the creative industry and in any environment. Our voice and our stories shape the whole universe and not just in music.

I’ve worked with mostly men and I’ve always questioned why there aren't as many women at the forefront. Personally I don’t think for me it’s about men vs women it’s more about working together to create that fairness and that space for each other equally and respectfully.

On a similar vein, the last few months have seen a wave of global unrest and activism in support of the Black Lives Matter movement. What do you hope comes from these justified protests?
The Black Lives Matter Movement shouldn’t be about just ‘talking’ it’s also about ‘doing’. It’s not just a trend that people should hop on when they feel like it. I pray there’s real growth. The change I especially want to see is within systems, housing, education. We as a people have the power to change the narrative but government policies need to be re-examined and by law things really need to progress. I think the movement has been so powerful in sparking the conversation and in calling out the wrongs that have happened countlessly throughout many many years. Let's keep that ignited, let’s push for REAL systematic change, that’s what I’m about. Let’s keep supporting each other because it’s been very emotional to see my brothers and sisters hurt and being killed. To see the amount of injustices done to my people is beyond upsetting. Honestly I’ve had to personally heal and take time for myself because it’s also an individual journey of growth and enlightenment. I hope that all people from different backgrounds are having those hard conversations to open themselves up to real truth.

What’s up next for Malunga?
Who knows?…

’Who Knows’ by Malunga is out now. You can download on iTunes and stream on Apple Music and Spotify.

To keep up with all things Malunga, you can follow her on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.