Mahalia is a 1998-born British actor and singer-songwriter. She started playing the guitar at the age of eight, and in 2012, she released her debut EP, Head Space. Mahalia has become well-known for her soulful R&B style and songs that speak to her own life. She has worked with musicians like Ed Sheeran, Burna Boy, and Rudimental.
Mahalia
English singer-songwriter Mahalia Burkmar, better known by her stage name Mahalia, is well-known for her melancholy and reflective music. An overview of her life and work can be found here:
Early Years:
Mahalia was born in Leicester, England, on May 1, 1998. Her father, a reggae DJ, and mother, a former backing singer for soul bands, raised her. Mahalia has always been interested in music, and at the age of 13, she began learning how to play the guitar. She also studied at a Birmingham performing arts college.
Career Start-Up:
Mahalia started her music career by uploading renditions of well-known songs to YouTube. She attracted Ed Sheeran's notice in 2012, and he encouraged her to tour with him as his opening act. Mahalia's first track, "Sober," which she released in 2015, became well-known on SoundCloud.
Breakthrough:
Mahalia's career-defining moment came in 2017 with the publication of her EP, "Diary of Me," which included the number-one single "Sober." In 2018, she released another EP called "Seasons," which featured the singles "No Pressure" and "Surprise Me." Mahalia's debut album, "Love and Compromise," which she released in 2019, garnered positive reviews and established her as a rising star in the UK music market.
Interesting Facts:
- Mahalia was named after the late jazz musician, Mahalia Jackson.
- She has cited Amy Winehouse, Lauryn Hill, and Erykah Badu as some of her biggest musical influences.
- Mahalia has collaborated with artists such as Burna Boy, Ella Mai, and EarthGang.
- In 2021, she won the BRIT Award for Best Female Solo Artist.
Overall, Mahalia's unique voice and style have earned her a dedicated fanbase and critical acclaim, and she continues to be one of the most exciting artists in the UK music scene today.