Born in South Africa but genetically and musically rooted in the Middle East, Malika was playing classical music by the age of 9, performing with Ali Mia Chikte at 14 and running her own piano school by 18. However she's never been satisfied with being technically good and throughout her young career she's been prepared to push the boundaries more than most.

Initially inspired by the tonal poetry of Vivaldi's Four Seasons as well as the lilting melodies of Richard Clayderman and Yanni, she loved the way artists like Vanessa Mae were transforming classical pieces into vivid, sexy modern forms. At the same time, she became fixated on the explosion of experimental eastern music: DJ Ravin, and the incredible artistry with which AR Rahman could marry hardcore European and Asian in his film scores.

This Middle Eastern influence became a big part in Malika's development and she began to chase it during practice, switching rapidly between artists and genres until a distinct, organic sound began to shape whatever she played.

The resulting classical-eastern-fusion was the inspiration for her debut album Monsoon Dew. Recorded with the Grammy-award-winning sound engineer Fernando Perdigao under the watchful instruction of the National Division and Production Director of Universal Music South Africa, the album has enjoyed good early success.

For obvious reasons, her sound has struck a particular chord with audiences in the Middle East where she's now a regular fixture on the sophisticated Dubai music scene. She's recently performed at The Chivas Regal Legends Dinner, the launch of [exclusive Al Barari development], as well as the Dubai Mall Festival and Dubai Summer Surprises.