Malik English Steps Into His Own With Afro‑R&B Single “Solo”
- Jaysalee "Stellar"
- Jan 18
- 2 min read
From the moment “Solo” starts, Malik English sets the tone. The beat hits with intention — warm, rhythmic, and impossible to ignore — instantly giving off that this belongs in the club feeling. It’s the kind of record that makes you move before you even realize you are, blending Afrobeat energy with smooth R&B sensibility in a way that feels natural, modern, and lived‑in.
Coming off a breakout 2025 that saw the Brooklyn‑based artist and producer surpass 250,000 Spotify streams, open for Anayka She and Scorey, and receive support from platforms like TIDAL, Audiomack, IBreatheMusicDaily, and Billboard, Malik English returns with a track that feels both confident and deeply personal.
“Solo” glides effortlessly between Amapiano, dancehall, and contemporary R&B, continuing Malik’s signature global, party‑forward sound. The rhythm carries a forward‑leaning pulse — grounded, sensual, and magnetic — capturing that charged moment in the club when the music fades into the background and your attention locks onto one person. It’s infectious without being overproduced, smooth without losing its edge.
Beneath the dance‑ready surface, “Solo” holds emotional weight. Speaking on the record, Malik shares:
“I wanted to lean deeper into my African roots. I’m part Nigerian, and while my relationship with my dad hasn’t always been the closest, making music in this space has helped me explore that side of my identity. Learning more about the culture through music has been a beautiful process. Thematically, ‘Solo’ is about choosing connection over pride, realizing you don’t want to lose someone and being willing to show up differently. Like all my music, it has to work in the club, but also feel right when you’re listening alone.”
That balance — between movement and meaning — has become a defining trait of Malik English’s artistry. Drawing from cultural roots that span Trinidad, Nigeria, and Canada, he builds music that reflects the full scope of his diasporic identity. His genre‑blending approach and authentic storytelling have earned praise from outlets like AFROPUNK and NOTION, alongside standout performances everywhere from SXSW to The Apollo Theater.
“Solo” feels like a natural next step in Malik English’s evolution — a record that invites people onto the dance floor while still leaving room for vulnerability. It’s fun, emotional, and alive, capturing exactly why his growing run is becoming harder to ignore.
With “Solo,” Malik English doesn’t just follow the rhythm — he owns it.
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