Today, we’d like to introduce you to Malik Johnson.
Malik, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I started as a kid, doing monologues, singing in the church choir, and auditioning for various local projects. I grew up loving writing and wrote my first song at around 13. After some time at Howard University, I switched my studies to focus on musical theatre and haven’t looked back since.
I’ve been featured in various films, TV shows, commercials, and musicals, along with creating my own music, podcast, and travel show. I’m approaching a decade in the industry, and it’s been a crazy ride with lots of highs and lows, but I love it.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The entertainment industry is full of struggles. It comes with lots of rejection and being misunderstood, and the starving artist stereotype is often very real. Being vulnerable in a scene, onstage, or in the studio takes a lot of courage. It takes a lot of creativity and favors to finish a project. My current biggest struggle is loneliness and sacrifice.
At 27, with nearly 10 years of experience in the industry, I missed several of my family/friends’ important events due to auditions, shows, and shoots. If it’s not a booking, then it’s working overtime on a project or working overtime at my 9-5 job to finance a project. I’m getting better at balance, but it can feel like a never-ending battle.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m a singer-songwriter, producer, actor, and host. So far, I’ve released 5 albums (Rated M, Technicolor, Sorry I’m Late, A New Day & MALIK.), and I’m hard at work on my 6th. Acting was my first love, and musical theatre led me to create my own music. One of my many dreams is to perform on Broadway and become an EGOT winner.
I’m most proud of creating my own platform, The MalikWorld Music Festival, which highlights rising artists and will soon be entering its 3rd year. I also host “The MalikWorld Podcast” & a travel show, “Malik, WYA?” in partnership with Brain Flower Studios. My music is slowly creeping to the million streams mark in over 40 countries. My honesty in my work and tenacity set me apart from others.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
I’m not sure if it’s the Aries in me, overachiever syndrome, or the adrenaline junkie that no doubt comes from my dad’s side of the family, but I love taking risks. You can’t be an artist or work in entertainment without taking risks.
Putting music out that is created from your own experience or putting yourself out there to a casting director or audience is a big risk in itself. Each project is also a business risk; it takes a lot of money to create music. Putting together a music festival was probably the biggest risk I’ve taken, but I’m sure there will be many more to come.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.malikjohnson.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialmalikmusic
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/o8b7r1XRq653UKPv/?mibextid=kFxxJD
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@malikworld?si=AvBekNrn9LaWfyZg
Image Credits
Yaasameen Garrett, Brain Flower Studios, and Camille Garner
