Celebrity Corner - Malaika Ballantyne

This weeks’ corner feature’s the ever beautiful and talented MALAIKA BALLANTYNE. I was blessed with the opportunity to sit with this enthusiastic young lady a couple of weeks ago for an interview for ‘Let’s Talk Glam Today’.

Malaika is a vivacious 27 year old young woman who is currently front-line with the band IMIJ & CO. It all started for her at the tender age of nine, she found her true love, it was performing arts, and music.
She's since then made it her business to be involved in every school event that ranged from drama, singing, dancing and pageantry and modeling. As she grew older, she ventured out into more National Competitions. Some of the (Calypso) competitions she’s competed in are:

1.       Young King Calypso competition

2.       Prime Minister’s Best Village competition ‘Choir folk song category” – 2^nd place

3.       Miss La Reine Rive 2012 – 1^st place

4.       National Queens Calypso competition  2013 – 4^th place

5.       Stars of tomorrow 2013 – 4^th place

6.       San Fernando Monarch 2013 – 6^th place

7.       Couva Calypso Monarch – 5^th place

Ms. Ballantyne has proven to be a very versatile individual; some of the activities she’s been involved in thus far are senior dancer with the group ‘Los Ninos School of Dance et al’, a member of Concept Studios Modeling Agency coordinated by Dexter Jennings, she has even launched her own Miss Cultural T&T Competition where she gives young women a chance to showcase their original arts and/or talent. Malaika says it is her way of giving back to the art form, in gratitude for her own successes.

10 Questions with Malaika

1)      How did it all start?

It all started when I decided to enter DIGICEL RISING STARS 2013.

2)      What do you like most about your profession?

I love the fact that I can express myself freely, even though I have standards.

3)      Who has been your biggest inspiration thus far?

My biggest inspiration thus far is Kerwin Du Bois; for obvious reasons. He is filling the spaces that Soca lacks and making the new era a very interesting one for young upcoming artistes like myself to follow.

4)      If you could go back in time, what would you do differently?

If I can go back in time I will not do anything differently, it’s all a lesson for me.

5)      Something about you we (the public) don’t know?

The public doesn't know (and believe) I can cook. LOL

6)      What plans do you have for the future?

In the future I have a few collaborations to do, locally and I will also like to have a few solo tracks.

7)      How has your life changed since joining the band IMIJ & Company?

This band has changed my life because I feel three times more connected to live music and performing than ever before. It has taught me how to work extremely hard and use my time wisely.

8)      What are you listening to on your ipod & what’s your favorite song these days?

These days, I slap in some Dianne Warrick and Amy Winehouse, I love their music. My favourite song is ‘Our day will come’

9)      What’s the most exciting experience since you’ve been in the entertainment industry?

Most exciting experiences so far has been competing in Digicel Rising Star and my performance with IMIJ & Company at Normandie All Inclusive.

10)   Do you have any advice for anyone wanting to start singing or pursuing their dream?

My advice is and will always be, GO FOR IT!!!

Malaika’s fashion sense reciprocates her effervescent personality. She's sexy but manages to keep it classy all the time whether in heels or flats. Below are some of the looks that she featured while performing and partying during carnival 2014. We love it Malaika - KEEP IT UP!!! From the 'let'stalkglam' squad.