It takes a boatload of talent to be noticed by veteran agent Caterina Caselli, who has discovered artists like Andrea Bocelli and Elisa. The success that Malika Ayane is basking in nowadays is proof that she's just one more great pick by Caselli's Sugar Music label.
Born in Milan in 1984, she was nourished by her Moroccan father and Italian mother's passion for music. At age 11, she was already singing in choirs at the Teatro La Scala, all while exploring a wide array of genres -- from blues to jazz, passing through gospel and electronic.
After signing a contract with Sugar Music in 2007, Malika worked on her first, self-titled album and released it the following year. Her irresistible mix of lighthearted pop with jazzy overtunes and sensational vocal skills made her an instant success.
As with most Italian artists, Malika had to prove herself on the Sanremo Festival stage. So in 2009, she sang "Come foglie" (Like Leaves) alongside legend Gino Paoli, and placed third in the "Young Talent" category.
The ultimate breakthrough came during the 2010 Sanremo Festival, with "Ricomincio da qui" (Restarting From Here). The song won the Mia Martini critics' award and launched Malika's career. The young artist's success even caught the attention of Paolo Conte, who collaborated with her on the song "Little Brown Bear."
Mailka Ayane recently released her third album, "Tre cose" (Three Things) and continues to rock the modern Italian pop scene.
-- Nicola Orichuia
- Tre cose (Three Things) | Read Review