Interview With Maleek Berry

Maleek Berry is one of the UK’s rising producers. Born in the heart of South London, Berry grew up listening to some of the biggest names in R&B from Tevin Campbell, Boyz II Men, Jodeci and of course the one and only King of Pop, Michael Jackson. It was at this time, at just the tender age of 14 that he saw young stars break into the American music industry. Although worlds apart from the shores of London this did not deter him but rather spark his ever growing love of the music industry.

Like most, Berry started off his career in the church, forming a group with two close friends. Managing to get his hands on a little pre-production setup – Fruity Loops – the group began writing, producing and performing their own songs at the ages of 14 and 15, only to disband at 16. However, the experience didn’t leave Berry disillusioned, as he was the brains behind a lot of the group’s records and they all remain very close till this day.

Like most, Berry started off his career in the church, forming a group with two close friends. Managing to get his hands on a little pre-production setup – Fruity Loops – the group began writing, producing and performing their own songs at the ages of 14 and 15, only to disband at 16. However, the experience didn’t leave Berry disillusioned, as he was the brains behind a lot of the group’s records and they all remain very close till this day.

Prisonerofclass recently reached out to Maleek Berry and he was kind enough to answer some of our questions

So what’s The Name?
Well my real name is Maleek Berry, but my birth name is Maleek Shoyebi, Berry just my nickname.

You have a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, so did you come down to Nigeria for your youth service (NYSC)

“No I’m working from the UK so I haven’t gotten around to it yet”

First it was Carolina by Saucekid which featured Davido you also produced about three tracks on Davido’s Album, then your own project “Matter” which featured Wizkid, My Way by Wande Coal and Lagos to Soweto by Wizkid. I have to ask what the secret is.

Honestly, I don’t know. I just go in and try to be free and just make good music. It’s truly a gift from God and I thank Him regularly for it.

Judging by your portfolio of songs, you are obviously a very talented producer, so why are we just hearing the Name Maleek Berry in Nigeria?

I’ve been doing this for a while. Produced for some UK acts too, suck as IKES, S.A.S and many others. I just think that ever since my music crossed the pond that’s when my name started making more noise. But trust me, the whole world will know soon too , by God’s grace, not just Nigeria.

Any Professional Advice for Upcoming producers; what they could do to improve their work
Number one advice is to pick up and instrument and learn that, then find a DAW of your choice, master that , get some gear for a home setup and you are good to go. Just go for it.

Matter which you featured Wizkid is topping every chart in Nigeria, Should we be expecting more from you; like an Album or a Mixtape
Yes I’m working on a project. I don’t want to call it a mixtape because I feel like the quality of the music is of album-level. But be expecting a body of work before the year is up.

Is there any other Nigerian act you’re currently working with?

Yes there are a few who have gotten in touch for some music. Naeto just reached out recently so we’ll see where that goes. I plan on just making great music.

All you works ended up on top of the charts in Nigeria, this must have opened up new doors. So are you picky about who you work with or you work with anyone who can pay your price?

I’ve always been picky about who I work with because music is an art and I care a lot about how my work is perceived by listeners. Money is not a big issue because if I really like the artist I can always work around prices anyway.

Are you signed to any Record Label?

as of now , no; I’m not signed to anyone at the moment. But I have a very rough idea of who I intend to partner up with. It’s best to prove yourself and build buzz before signing anything so you are seen as an asset not a liability.

Thank your Mr. Maleek Berry, any word for your fans & prisonerofclass.com
Thank you so much for the support thus far. I have so much music in me that I will be giving to the world in years to come and hope you all ride with me all the way.

Do You Know Maleek Berry produced three songs on Davido’s O.B.O’s Album, Sauce Kid ft. Davido – “Carolina” & Sina Rambo ft Davido – “Ijo Sina”

SOURCE:PRISONEROFCLASS