Home / Industry Takeover 2024 / Friday / Malika Ferguson – Sounds Write Consultancy

Malika Ferguson – Sounds Write Consultancy

Malika Ferguson (known mononymously as Malika, previously Meleka) is a writer and topliner, with stylistic preferences ranging from Pop to Soul and R&B and over 300 million streams across her music catalogue, on Spotify alone. Malika is also an accomplished singer, lending not only her writing skills but incredible vocal talents to numerous projects, collaborating with Nathan Dawe, on “Cheating” (61m streams) and “Flowers” (91m streams). The latter peaked at #12 on the UK
singles chart and is a Platinum seller. Malika, has co-written and contributed vocals to releases with esteemed artists such Snakehips on the track “Falling” (10m streams) from their EP “Money On Me”, on their “All Stars Intro” & “Right
Now”, alongside artists, H.E.R, Elhae & DRAM. Other collaborations include Michael Calfan (“Got You”-13m streams), Sam Feldt (“Hungry Eyes” – 12m streams), and has writer credits with Punctual, Kate Stewart, Ziva Magnolya, & Louis iii.

Malika’s musical breakthrough came when she won the MTV competition Hugo Urban Rules. This led to the release of her debut single, “Go,” which received remixes from Tinie Tempah and Crazy Cousinz. It was the latter mix that propelled “Go” to the
height of its popularity (6.5m streams) and firmly established Malika as a rising star. Subsequently, her talent caught the attention of iconic dance act Basement Jaxx. She guested on the title track of their album “Scars”, a collaboration with both Kelis and Chip and their album “Junto” on “We Are Not Alone”. This marked a significant turning point in Malika’s career, as she began to focus on writing and collaborating with and for others. Malika has been a part of sessions for the likes of Essosa Joy, Ella Eyre, Rita Ora, Samira, Deja Vu, Tion Wayne, has recently been working closely with producers Loxe, Bryn Christopher and AMac.

Malika also recently partnered with Music Blog ‘Industry Me’ to launch ‘Written by Malika’ a monthly music column centered around discussing the latest releases & happenings in music culture. As well as creating ‘Sounds Write’ a hub for up-and-coming creatives to get advice about the business side of the industry, hosting workshops and contributing to panel discussions about how to improve the music industry ecosystem. As her career evolves, Malika continues to draw inspiration from her rich musical upbringing andexperiences, open to exploring new writing and creative avenues.

Speaking: Friday Afternoon

2pm-4pm

POWER UP PRESENTS… GET UP, STAND UP!

This thought leadership panel explores the progress – or lack of – on race accountability in the music industry since the 2020 BLM protest movement. We’ll also explore what it means to be ethical, how to take a stand and the greater challenges facing Black artists in 2024.

4pm-6pm

JACQUELINE SPRINGER IN CONVERSATION WITH BERWYN POWERED BY V&A EAST

Expect a deep dive as Jacqueline Springer explores the life and times of BERWYN, Trinidad-born, Romford-raised rapper, singer, songwriter, producer and two-time Mercury Music Prize nominee.


Speakers

Elise Brown – Co-founder/ Director, Revere Arts

Gaika – Artist

Hannah Shogbola – Founder, DAJU / Agent at UTA Talent Agency

Komali Scott-Jones – A&R Director at AWAL & Executive Member at the Black Music Coalition

Andrew Ogun – Arts Council of Wales/ BLM Gwent

Jacqueline Springer – Curator, Africa & Diaspora: Performance at the V&A

BERWYN – Artist

Malika Ferguson – Sounds Write Consultancy