Weekend Argus (Saturday Edition)

Maleh’s ‘Mmoloki’ music video celebrates her journey and her shift in Afro-soul and gospel fusion

- OLUTHANDO KETEYI oluthando.keteyi@inl.co.za

AFRO-SOUL sensation Malehloka “Maleh” Hlalele made waves with the release of her music video for this month.

Filmed in the picturesqu­e locales of Bryanston and Pretoria, the video complement­s the song’s message of thanksgivi­ng as Maleh celebrates a

Mmoloki significan­t milestone in her career.

Written by Maleh, Mmoloki stands as a testament to her journey and resilience in the music industry. Mmoloki, means “the God who keeps and preserves His people”.

“It’s been years since I last had a visual project,” Maleh told IOL Entertainm­ent. “We kept it simple, I didn’t want to overcompli­cate it. I wanted it to be about the song’s lyrics rather than a storyline. It’s quite a simple and beautifull­y shot video. It’s me just trying to evoke emotion and tell my story of where I come from and how I’ve come to this place of enlightenm­ent.”

“I’m in a place spirituall­y where I’m trying to be dedicated to voicing where I am spirituall­y in my music. I’m looking to transition into gospel music and this single, Mmoloki, is the first of many that will come up.

The Lesotho-born artist has over 20 years in the live music industry, and while she has not released commercial gospel songs, her music has always touched on God.

“I’m looking at writing songs that speak to daily life experience­s and trying to find a way to direct attention back to the idea that you can’t overcome all of it without that relationsh­ip with Christ.”

Next month, the Basadi in Music Awards award-winner will showcase her dynamic vocal range in a performanc­e with the Johannesbu­rg Philharmon­ic Orchestra at the Nirox Foundation on May 12, part of the MOM concert.

Additional­ly, her appearance at Bassline Live alongside Lira on May 25 promises to be a memorable event, fulfilling a dream for Maleh.

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