Maali Talks About the Inspiration Behind ‘Bad Decision’

Kenyan-based emerging vocalist and songwriter Maali is steadily becoming one of the most exciting new voices in African music. Known for blending R&B, Pop, Afro and alternative influences, the singer recently released his latest single, Bad Decision.

The song is a raw and honest reflection on reckless love, pride, denial and the consequences of staying in unhealthy relationships despite seeing the warning signs.

Speaking to OKMzansi Magazine, Maali opened up about the inspiration behind the track, the creative process behind it and what fans can expect from him next.

1. “Bad Decision” explores themes of reckless love and emotional self-destruction. What personal experiences or observations inspired the song?

Somewhere between the age of 21 and 23, I had a series of shaky relationships, situationships and ‘flirtationships’ (as my friend likes to say). In each single one, regardless of any warning from friends and family alike, I stubbornly stayed in these situations and suffered for it. Looking back at my pride and carelessness, I felt the need to make a song about that.

2. You describe the record as an honest reflection on choosing chaos despite seeing the warning signs. Why was it important for you to approach the story from a place of accountability rather than victimhood?

It takes two to tango. To act as a victim when telling these stories would be to absolve myself of the huge role I played in my own life situations.

3. Your music blends R&B, Pop, Afro, and alternative influences. How did those genres shape the sound and emotional direction of “Bad Decision”?

R&B for me is a genre that consistently gets up close and personal. Artists I have studied, listened to, and loved to have always made music that’s close to them and I pushed myself to do the same. I needed to find a way to embody accountability and cheekiness which are done so consistently in R&B especially.

4. The song deals with pride, denial, and emotional blindness. Which of these themes do you think listeners will connect with most deeply, and why?

I think my listeners will gravitate the most towards pride. I think it may resonate with them especially if they too have lived through making a bad decision that was good in the short term but rough long term.

5. Your vocal delivery on “Bad Decision” moves between reflection and regret. How did you approach conveying those emotions during the recording process?

Modest (my producer and recording engineer) and I made efforts to be intentional in every section of Bad Decision. We made sure each part was vocally and musically reflective of the message being told at that point in our song. For example, the bridge of the song needed to be more playful and so the delivery and background vocals laid down reflected that.

6. The production on the single is described as intimate and restrained. What was your vision for the sonic landscape of the track, and how did you work with the producers to achieve it?

Some of my all-time favourite R&B songs are built on and around the guitar which I definitely took into my session with Modest. He took my initial concept and elevated it even further by adding elements of groove, melody and even some backing vocals in places. He even went as far as to add a DJ disk scratch all for the purpose of pushing our song as deep into R&B as possible.

7. As an emerging artist in the African music space, how do you balance creating deeply personal music while ensuring it resonates with a broad audience?

I’ve read books and studied songwriting by ear enough to be able to write from the heart then revisit later. Oftentimes when I revisit a song I wrote, I ask myself what I could say differently/better for the purpose of it coming across stronger. I write first for me, then rewrite so more people can relate to how I’m feeling and what I’m thinking.

8. “Bad Decision” is being positioned as another important step in your artistic evolution. In what ways do you feel you have grown as a songwriter and artist since your earlier releases?

I’ve learned to communicate a wider scope of emotions and topics. I’ve also gained the discernment that certain stories and lived experiences are better off being spread out over a project rather than forced into one song. As human beings, there’s often a lot to learn even in the briefest of experiences and sometimes that needs more time to share/explain to others.

9. Your versatility across multiple genres has become a defining characteristic of your artistry. How do you decide which musical influences to bring into each new project?

The story I need to tell often dictates what the musical, lyrical, textural, and visual directions will be for a project. In the project I am set to release this year, I needed to share my story in a way only befitting of R&B. I needed myself to make something raw, personal, and detailed.

10. With “Bad Decision” now out, what do you hope listeners take away from the song, and what can fans expect from you in the months ahead?

I hope my fans know I too have made and continue to make some Bad Decisions here and there and like them, I’m working on making less of them as I grow. In the months ahead, they can expect more music and especially a message that speaks to how limitless and capable they are.

CLICK HERE TO JOIN