Malakai, a contestant on Young Britain’s Got Talent, has landed a record contract with Universal Music after reducing Bruno Tonioli to tears with his voice.
During this year’s competition, the 14-year-old opera singer stole the hearts of both viewers and judges, and she sent the crowds crazy after receiving Simon Cowell’s golden buzzer.
Despite failing to win the ITV series, Malakai has already entered the studio to create his debut album, Golden, with the help of Universal Music.
Golden is a mix of both classical and traditional music, including Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Pie Jesu, which he sang during his BGT audition.
It also contains his rendition of Puccini’s O Mio Babbino Caro, which he performed live in the BGT semi-finals, forcing Bruno to cry and tell him, ‘You’re a gift from God.’
‘I can’t believe my dream has come true and I’m signed to the record company with the biggest opera stars in the world,’ Malakai enthused.
Malakai’s CD will be released on Universal Classics & Jazz in collaboration with Classic FM in July.
Pie Jesu, the first single, is now available.
‘Malakai’s soaring, honeyed voice has the most remarkable effect on listeners who hear him sing,’ remarked Helen Lewis, executive producer and A&R manager for Universal Classics and Jazz.
‘A talent like his is incredibly rare. He has brought so much joy to the whole team at Universal Classics and Jazz, and we can be sure there are many more milestones to come for this young star.’
Since appearing on BGT, the kid has earned international attention and accolades, including a personal note of gratitude from Sierra Leone’s president.
Not only that, but Malakai contributed to the music of the forthcoming film Maestro, which is based on the life of Leonard Bernstein.
The biographical picture, which will be released later this year on Netflix, is directed and starring Bradley Cooper, and is produced by Hollywood heavyweights Martin Scorsese and Steven Spielberg.
Malakai began singing with St George’s Cathedral Choir in London at the age of seven and now attends Cardinal Vaughan Memorial School in west London, where he performs with the famed choir Schola Cantorum.
He has performed in concerts and honed his solo and choral talents while playing with Schola Cantorum.
Malakai made his operatic debut at the age of 12 in The Magic Flute.
