Who is "Mali Music?"

Mali Music (Listen to music samples)

IndyGospel.com's Shaquila talks with the anointed musician that has the industry buzzing about, "Who is Mali Music?" Find out more about the vessel that God has called for such a time as this.

Jamaal "Mali Music" Pollard is a musician, aspiring actor, entrepreneur, and record label from Savannah Georgia. This soulful musician feels he is indeed ahead of his time, from the type of music and the rich and utter substance in the lyrics of the music, to the arrangement of the beat. His music gives you something to ponder, think on, and soul search.  Simply put, "Lifestyle Music"!!! 

We asked Mali about how he felt about acting, since he has done a number of local plays, and how would he feel if Hollywood came knocking.

Mali: Some of the staring roles can be compromising, especially in Hollywood, but yes I definitely feel as though God will open doors, and I will be ready to seize them.

IndyGospel.com: How do you feel about the release of the new album?
 
Mali: I am excited about the 2econd Coming (listen to snippets below). I have been ready since we started campaigning. I write this music so we all can be enriched. I am so blown away by what God is doing and all that He has decided to do. I am ready for another one.

We asked Mali if the music he writes intentionally written to give people something to think about?

Mali: Yes! We have Kingdom, we have Gospel, and we have Christian, but I wanted to recreate a genre of music called 'Lifestyle Music.' I mean, it's just how we live. After we leave church, once we leave the presence of the people of God, that's when life starts. And what happens then? A lot of times different songs that can help us sort of set the mood. Those are the people I want to talk to. What about life? What about those things, that I have to depend on myself to connect to the Spirit or to use the Word of God to live? And a lot of times it's like all I know is my old ways, or what my mother taught me. So, [lifestyle music provides] a guide and a compass and a help in living. It connects us to God [in a way] that we never even thought we could, because of religion or tradition.

IndyGospel.com: Do you feel an added level of pressure on you because of the substance of your lyrics, do you think the standards are higher?

Mali: Well not so much pressure, because I've chosen to do this because I know who I'm living for now. A lot of the heartache and the pain that inspired the songs were because of failure. Because of that decision, because of those things, is why I am here, and I can relate, where I can even get on a level to where we all can sing something and you can even identify with me, 'cause when I sing it, I mean it!' I am sure that all things work together for the good because some of the things that I have been through I am truly and completely embarrassed by, and I thought that it was that I could do it.

IndyGospel.com: Do you feel like you are in your season?

Mali: I am sure that I am in my season, not because of all the stuff that is happening, [but because] I have always loved music and I have been doing music for years. [I feel as though God] put me in a shell, more like a glass dome with an insertion in the top, and He kept filling it up and filling it up, and I could not get out, and He forced me to serve at my ministry to get Word and it forced me. When I would go out and minister people would be like, 'Wow, you were so powerful tonight. What are you doing?' I've been suffering so I can have something to sing about and there are a lot of things that I will be able to sing that you won't have to if you don't allow yourself to. But yes, it is my season and God has equipped me and caused me to be ready and was stocking me up, so now I am prepared. And everything he put before, it's time for me now to execute and share.

IndyGospel.com: How does your local ministry feel about everything?

Mali: They are very supportive. They buy everything! I just love and appreciate them so much, and their prayers are definitely being felt.

IndyGospel.com: How does it feel to have the support of your family as they also work in the business with you?

Mali: I’m 21 OK, and this industry is ridiculous, especially the gospel music industry. So, I don't want to be out here with no one that I don’t care about or know about trying to tell me this or tell me that. I need my momma there and my daddy there so I can stay grounded. I feel like it's very instrumental and important to keep them around and I feel as if God will honor it. Sometime it can be inconvenient and my God they get on my nerves (laughing). But, I'm going to keep them around until that season is over [in which I need them to] keep me grounded.

IndyGospel.com: Who are you listening to musically…who's in your iPod?

Mali: Suzie Rock out of Houston TX. Regina Specter. I listen to some Ireland folk music. That’s how I'm able to capture so many genres because I truly indulge in [different music].

IndyGospel.com: What are some of your favorite songs on the album?

Mali: "Yahweh," "Gimmie Gimmie," "Available," "Higher."

IndyGospel.com: What do you have to say to up-and-coming artists?

Mali: Number one, make sure this is what you are supposed to be doing people of God. Just because God gave you a little voice doesn't mean He called you to the nations. Then you're getting discouraged about life because it's not working out. Number two, have a relationship with God first. Third, be original. If God has called you to that, He will equip you with a sound that has never been heard before.

IndyGospel.com: So what's next for Mali Music?

Mali: I get to continue to introduce myself. I'm not trying to prove to you how saved I am, I'm not trying to get out here and sing secular music or anything. All that everything is about is a lifestyle. I just want to write songs for when that girl is depressed, just got dumped...that young man that just got that bad about his girlfriend...when a husband and wife don’t want to see another. [God] don’t want people to have to seek secular music to sooth whatever they're going through. As an artist I want people to be able to trust me as an artist, that the music I write will touch them when they are weak and know that the music can meet them.

IndyGospel.com: Any final remarks or anything you waould like to add?

Mali: Jesus is Lord, Jesus is definitely Lord. Let's go deeper in Him, and let Him reveal more mysteries. Then we can be able to sing with more content.

In closing, in this interview there was a lot of wisdom and knowledge coming from a young man that has suffered and paid the price to be able to sing with such a level of anointing. Mali is giving God all the glory for what He has done. Check out his music below...

Stretching the boundaries of Contemporary Christian, The 2econd Coming displays Mali’s extensive vocal and production versatility, and his God-given ability to reach any audience.  His bold, unique sound and gift for musical storytelling has captivated audiences, drawing them in to a lyrical adventure and spiritual revival.  The 2econd Coming includes the smash single and acoustic YouTube hit “Avaylable” and the bold and unrelenting “I Hate You”, a lyrically clever, in-your-face illustration of the lies and darkness of evil and the rebuke and triumph we have over it.  “No Muzick”, is an expressive old Negro spiritual style song with a funky a capella hand clapping flow that one can’t possibly remain still while listening to.