Funded by the Welsh Arts Council through their Creative Steps Funding, Welsh songstress, Mali Hâf, recently released her EP, Jig-So, shows Mali’s desire to explore the outer edges of her music and life in Wales.
Opening with “Ailadrodd”, the song translates to repeat or repetition and explores the repetitive patterns of humanity be in relationships, politics, arts, and so on. The repetitiveness of the music drives the message further forward as Mali’s voice holds R&B diva smoothness.
In the stand out song, “Colli Meddwl”, Mali’s voice stands tall amongst the pop princesses and divas. There’s a wonderful Lady Gaga edge and strength to Mali’s delivery. Accompanied with an infectious bass and drum loop, “Colli Meddwl” captures the essence, the attitude, and power of Mali’s voice.
While “Enfys Sanctiadd” was originally written in English, it like all of the songs on Jig-So are performed in Welsh. Had Mali performed them in English, they would have lost a poetic beauty to not only their words, but the music as well. I may not understand a word of Welsh, but there’s magic to the language and a magic to Mali’s music. She, like many other artists I enjoy, proves yet again, that one doesn’t have to understand the words to understand the meaning of the song or music.
The closing song, “Blaidd,” celebrates uniqueness, urging listeners to embrace their authenticity without apologies as she has done.
Mali Hâf‘s uniqueness shines through in her music, displaying a blend of pop stardom and Welsh wisdom. Jig-So showcases Mali’s talent, her penchant for sonic experimentation, and her distinct voice is refreshing, strong, and an effervescent force that is much needed.
MUST LISTEN TRACKS: “Colli Meddwl”, “Blaidd”, “Ailadrodd”, “Enfys Sanctaidd”
