Maleek Berry's TEDx Talk Is Much Needed Monday Motivation

Renowned afrobeats producer Maleek Berry's TEDxPeckham talk gives us a chance to get to know him as he talks about how he followed his dreams.

Maleek Berry's TEDx Talk Is Much Needed Monday Motivation

Maleek Berry lets his music speak for itself. It's been cool to see his transition from being a top-notch producer to a well-rounded artist who stays true to his own sound. He recently gave a talk on TEDxPeckham's stage, where we got to know his story—which we don't get the opportunity to hear that often from stars.


His talk gives us a scope of how he built his music vocabulary, like how he grew up listening to Michael Jackson as a kid when living in Kaduna, Nigeria, to being introduced fuji music when he moved to Lagos and eventually being exposed to bashment, dancehall and UK garage when he lived in South London during his college and university years.

He also shares how he came into his own and how he finds comfort in his identity as a Nigerian and as an African who is resilient in his pursuit of purpose.

"When you find your truth, you're halfway there," he emphasizes. "Vision is more important than sight, and do not rush the process."

Watch his full TEDx talk to get motivated this Monday below.

Thandiwe Newton in a grey sleeveless dress, wearing red lipstick and crystal earrings, poses against a pink background
Arts + Culture

What's in A Name: How African Names Get Lost in Translation

From NBA stars to Grammy nominees, prominent Africans have often had their names misspelled or mispronounced. While some have pushed back and reclaimed it, others embrace it.

The cover artwork for OkayAfrica’s Best West African Songs of 2024 list featuring Ayra Starr and Tems.
Latest

The Best West African Songs of 2024

This year’s list features emerging talents and an uptick in artists reaching to the past to create new sounds.