Biography

Malika Tirolien was raised in an artistic environment - Her grandfather inspired her with poems, her grandmother was a pianist, and her father was a self taught multi-instrumentalist. This background shaped her will to become an artist, and she began singing as a teenager. Leaving her home in Guadeloupe for the University of Montreal, Malika studied jazz and quickly became a part of the Montreal jazz scene as part of the Kalmunity Jazz project, The Kalmunity Vibe Collective, and the Hip-Hop fused soul group Groundfood.

A powerful stage performer, Malika took the lead in Cirque Du Soleil’s La Nouba and has appeared with respected artists Lara Fabian and Alain Jean-Marie. Her performance caught the eyes and ears of Michael League of Snarky Puppy and she was invited to perform as one of eight vocalists on the Grammy winning release Snarky Puppy’s Family Dinner . Her performance closes the now legendary performance with the powerful version of Malika’s song (with Frederick Varre) I’m Not The One. Her stage presence, her precise and soulful delivery, her attitude, and her strength absolutely captivate the audience. One look at the popular video of the performance tells the story - Malika has IT; but even more compelling is Malika is truly believable. She sings with a heartfelt, human power that connects everyone in the room, inspiring even the live band to deliver more emotion. Her followup video, Sew, from the same sessions amazed audiences with a combination of jazz, soul, and a touch of Rap. 

Malika’s new release - Sur La Voie Ensoleilee (‘On the High Road’) speaks of a positive, enlightened, and determined worldview. All of her life’s influences can be felt as Malika moves from Carribean vocals and rhythms from her native Guadeloupe to Soul and Jazz, to urban Montreal’s take on Hip-Hop. Delicate and precise, Malika’s universal voice is clear and compelling throughout. It is no surprise that the music is hard to place in one category, but of course that is what defines musical courage and exploration.

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