Elly K: Blossoming urban music songstress
She is best known for her funky outfits and breathtaking vitality on stage. Ellen Kadango, best known as Elly K, is one of Malawi’s very own female singers. However, her unique vocals of urban music and local hybrid fused with Western pop are making her a brand to reckon with.
Armed with an enviable record collection and a penchant for all things soul and groove, Elly K is everything every girl is trying to be. Her sound is eclectic and captivatingly engaging.
“I realised I started singing when I was 10. I, therefore, grew up with that,” said Kadango in an interview.
“My major break came in May 2012 when I got the opportunity to work with the Zembani Band. This lasted from May to 31st to August 2012. Then I moved on and worked with Maskal’s Umunthu Band, which used to back me until my own band was created with support from Mr Entertainers Promotions,” she explained.
Since staging up for the first time, the past years have seen this starlet shoot from dance-floor to dance-hall, supporting a majority of local music royalty along the way, becoming Malawi’s rising sensational secular star.
Making her mark through her music, Elly K’s songs have streamed through the blogosphere, radios and clubs.
Coupled with appearances on several shows like the recent Channel O Female DJs party, there is more to this girl than a pretty face and a great smile.
“Since that time I have been soaring and I must say, I am not there yet,” she said.
Always accessorised and immaculately presented, this countess of dance is an enigmatic oracle of the electronic music scene. A disco tastemaker, Elly K is set to continue cue-burning her way to the top.
“Music and dance go together, so I believe. That is why I am always juggling the two. I have no problems with that and I enjoy it. I believe a musician must strive to be a full package, thus sing, dance, play instruments among others. If you cannot master all these at least find two, because music is not only about singing but entertainment as well,” boasted Kadango.
Another element about Elly K is her dressing when on stage. For those who have never watched her, might think they are watching international artists like Rihanna, Beyonce and Lady Gaga. She has a good sense of stage clothes.
Said the musician: “I design my clothes because I always want something unique about me. We have international musicians who are very well known because of their clothes and that’s what I strive for. They represent me and most of all I feel comfortable in them.”
Kadango, 24, is set to release her first album Ndikanakhala Nyerere in September. So far, her only single Come Back, a collaboration with Barry One is enjoying airplay.
