Songstress Carolyn Malachi Educates & Inspires Through the Art of Music and Service.

An educator, destined fashion icon and Washington, D.C. native, Carolyn Malachi, sat down with // Magazine to discuss her mission in the music industry and how it correlates with her message to the world. A humanitarian to say the least the talented Grammy nominated artist explains what drives her music and how she uses her music to educate the public.

// Magazine: Your album “Lions, Fires & Squares” was nominated for a Grammy after much success, how has this accomplishment changed or influenced your approach to creating new music?

Malachi: In 2011, my EP Lions, Fires & Squares received a Grammy nomination for Best Urban / Alternative Performance. The prestigious honor, garnered with only four years of industry experience under my belt, encouraged me to work harder on my craft.

//: Are there any particular artists you would like to collaborate with in the future?

Malachi: I want Pharrell, Barbra Streisand, Yasiin Bey, and Pat Metheny to know that I crave the experience of learning from their creative processes. Honestly, the education would be enough for me.

//: You’ve managed to blend spoken word, hip-hop and jazz into your music; should we expect anymore genres in the future?

Malachi: Perhaps; I am listening to several Blues artists – Diunna Greenleaf, John Lee Hooker – and connecting the situations they sing about to the situations I write about.

//: Your eclectic style of music embodies that of a soul with a story to tell. Is there a message you are trying to send to your audience?

Malachi: For me, music is freedom. Every song, every performance is an invitation for the listener or the audience to participate in that freedom.

//: You collaborated with The School Fund last year to provide students in Kenya & Tanzania the opportunity to attend school. Based on the number of views the “Free Your Mind” music video received, how did you come up with the idea to raise “hours” to fund the students’ classes ?

Malachi: Many start-up ideas come to life when friends or collaborators answer one question: “Wouldn’t it be cool if…?” The School Fund, the Camelita Group, and I created the #IAM Campaign because we thought it would be cool and important to use music as a means of creative real, tangible value in the global education space. Our theory was that people should be able to get what they want and give something back. Last year, every view of the “Free Your Mind” music video generated an hour of class time for The School Fund. This year, every download of the GOLD album serves the same purpose.

//: As one of the many great Black women giving back to her community, is there a particular man or men in the Black community that you feel shares your passion of giving back?

Malachi: Aniekan Udofia, Zachary Kiesch and Brian Heat use their talents, resources, and platforms to inspire and educate. Keep your eye on
these brilliant guys!

//: How do you feel about how Black men are portrayed in the community?

Malachi: In my community, I see leaders. I consume minimal amounts of television. What I do watch portrays African American men as empowered thinkers. This could also be a selective observation. I grew up with positive male role models and am less inclined to acknowledge negative archetypes.

//: In this day, there has been a noticeable increase in political interest amongst the youth and adult population. Do political affairs have an effect on your writing or actions?

Malachi: Perhaps, as a result of recent performances and time spent with Folk singer Noel Paul Stookey, I feel somewhat responsible for being a barometer of the times. “Nothing,” the first song on GOLD speaks to global economic conditions.

//: What is your view on today’s society?

Malachi: Today’s society is a manifestation of yesterday’s ideas.

//: Education seems to be another important platform in your campaign of service and music. Do you include politics in your efforts to educate?

Malachi: I want my music to enhance global access to education.

//: What inspires your sense of fashion?

Malachi: I think of my music as works of fine art, conversation pieces which are very present but not overpowering to the senses. My fashion
choices follow suit. (Ha! Suit.)

//: Trends come and go. Do you include them in your everyday style?

Malachi: I don’t bother with trends. They have a hard enough time keeping up with me, and they deserve a break.

//: To your fans and people who aspire to follow your footsteps in becoming a musician, humanitarian or educator what advice would you give them?

Malachi: Stop where you are. Check your navigational app. Be sure that the path you have chosen is the right one for you.

Carolyn Malachi is nothing less than inspirational and intends to continue spreading her knowledge & good vibes with her music to come. One quote she is known for simply states, “Music is important because it frees up people thoughts.”

Free your mind, and let music take you wherever you want to go.

Posted Monday February 17, 2014 | Categories: Art, Fashion, Music, Shonda Edwards | 6 Comments »