Meet Malik Johnson | Singer-Songwriter, Producer, Actor, & Host

We had the good fortune of connecting with Malik Johnson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Malik, what’s one piece of conventional advice that you disagree with?
As an artist I fully disagree with the notion that I have to wait for the right time or opportunity to present itself for me to showcase my talents. Over the past 7 years of chasing my dreams as an actor, singer-songwriter, and producer I’ve learned that the timing will never be perfect and opportunities rarely present themselves, you have to create them. For example the DFW area has a growing film/television scene but it’s not very diverse so I started creating my own content. The small selection of open mics/artist showcases catering to rnb & pop nearly vanished after the pandemic and the few remaining often charge artists heavy fees or suffer from disorganization. This led me to start headlining my own shows both in person and on platforms like Instagram & Facebook live and eventually me creating an entire music festival called “MalikWorld”. Over the past year or so I’ve gotten comfortable with the idea of building my own platform and so far I’ve seen better results and more doors opening. From “The MalikWorld Podcast” to the “MalikWorld Music Festival”, along with my original music, I’ve been able to create my own lane and shine a light on my talents as well as others.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I dabble in a lot of creative fields but I describe myself as a singer-songwriter, producer, actor, & media personality. I’ve always been larger than life but after a short stint at Howard University as a hospitality major I gave entertainment a real chance and doors have opened ever since. I’ve accomplished a lot over the past 7 years from nearly 500k streams of my music in over 40 countries, to creating my own music festival, “The MalikWorld Music Festival” and several acting roles in movies, tv, and social content. There have been several hurtles along the way from lack of diversity and opportunities from the acting side and the constant budget struggles of being an independent artist. I’ve learned to create my own lane and platform and be comfortable in that instead of looking at someone else’s journey and wondering why not me. I’m really excited for my new album “MALIK.” coming soon, more acting roles and possibly a new season of “The MalikWorld Podcast”.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’ve grown to really appreciate the DFW over the past few years, it has its own unique flavor. Starting in Fort Worth the Stockyards, Water Gardens, and Kimbell Art Museum are some of my favorite spots to take visitors or just hang out. Docs Records and Inspiration Alley are the ultimate vibe for any artist or music lover. The Dallas World Aquarium is a great stop for a nature lover and The Video Game Museum in Frisco is nerd Heaven. Thrills Turkey Legs in Arlington has a really good stuffed mac n cheese turkey leg that pairs perfectly with a water moccasin daiquiri from Eskimo Hut.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I have to give a huge shoutout to God, my parents, especially my mom, and my entire family for being so supportive. My vocal coach Melodie Brookins deserves so much credit for always pushing me to be the best artist I can be. My friends specifically Yaasameen & Spencer for helping me create “The MalikWorld Music Festival” along with all the artists who performed or visited my podcast. I’m really grateful for all the artists who I’ve created music with both past and present and everyone who’s ever supported me.

Website: www.malikjohnson.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialmalikmusic/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/the_malikshow

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OfficialMalikMusic

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDx4sBWcAV2qJjS2sNG9mdQ

Other: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6EKYKp55uBrqGsDvEqbGfe?si=fzOdTf1XQjWE_nHYL6dkVA Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/malik/1466043804 Podcast: https://anchor.fm/malik-johnson1

Image Credits
Frank Green