5 Questions with Malaika Lepine

When speaking about her life, “journey” is a word that Malaika Lepine uses often, and it resounds with strength. She notes that her life has been “harmonised by music” and stresses that “the intricate tapestry of the music industry is a testament to [her] unwavering passion and dedication”.

Her story is one of transformation, adaptation, and a deep-rooted love for the rhythm that drives life itself.

Born in Canada, her nomadic lifestyle took her across Africa, Europe, Canada, the United States, and Jamaica. Her unbreakable bond with music paved the way for her remarkable career, which started with her delivering traffic reports on the radio and later evolved into her role as a successful entertainment blogger. Her blog became a platform where music lovers converged to discover new sounds and stories, and from there, Lepine explored the world of publicity and management. She spearheaded projects that not only garnered critical acclaim but also secured Grammy nominations and wins for her clients.

Lepine’s journey has led to her position as a music executive at ONErpm, where she leads their Caribbean office. This week, 5 Questions With caught up with this entertainment powerhouse for a quick chat.

1. How long have you been involved in the music business, and, what about it has made your journey fascinating?

I have been doing this for 20 years, and it is a roller coaster (laughs out loud). One thing about the music business is, it is not boring.Every day is different. Fascinating is an understatement I have had the pleasure of meeting some of the most interesting people that have touched my life. If it wasn’t for this business, I don’t think I would have met them, and for that I am thankful.

2. What has been your experience as a woman in the music business, and, what is your advice for those who want to work on managing projects or in a similar capacity?

It is not easy being a woman in this business. Unfortunately, the misogyny is alive and well. I can walk into a meeting, make a statement, and it won’t be taken at face value unless my male colleague says the same thing. So if you are a woman, and love this business, you better have tough skin and learn to stand up for yourself and not take things personal. If a man says no and is steadfast, he is a boss. If a woman does the same, she is a b***h.

3. To what extent has the music from the Caribbean impacted the world globally, and, why is there a need for a position such as yours - Caribbean business manager - at ONErpm?

The first time that I heard a reggae song, I was maybe five years old and I was in Cameroon. I will never forget it. It was a song by Peter Tosh. Somehow his voice and words made an impact on my subconscious, which is a testament to reggae music. Here I was, across the world, and that one song shaped the direction of my life. No disrespect to all the beautiful Caribbean islands, but Jamaica is the Mecca for dancehall and reggae. So as the digital age has transformed the way in which music is created, distributed, and consumed, it is important for ONErpm to be here at the centre and provide clarity, direction, or just listen to their vision and provide insights to clients, both upcoming and established.

4. You were the project manager for Kabaka Pyramid’s Grammy-winning album, ‘The Kalling’, as well as Sean Paul’s Grammy-nominated ‘Live and Livin’’ in the same year. What exactly did that entail?

It is a lot of work, but it is a labour of love. Being a project manager means that you are involved in every aspect of the release, and of course, no sleep until release day (laughs out loud). In a nutshell, a project manager in the music business plays a critical role in overseeing various aspects of music-related projects, ensuring that they are planned, executed, and completed successfully. The music industry is multifaceted, encompassing areas like music production, artiste management, marketing, events, and more. A project manager helps coordinate these elements to achieve the project’s goals efficiently.

5. From where you are sitting, you would have a certain insight into the music business. Is there any advice that you can share with both up-and-coming as well as established artistes on getting their voices heard?

Consistency and education.

Consistency is self explanatory: keep writing if you are a songwriter, keep producing if you are a producer, keep singing, etc, I am not saying deliver all that you do, but keep at it to hone your craft. Because of social media, music is fast come, fast go, so to keep up, you must consistently deliver.

Education: Google and YouTube are free. There is NO excuse to say, “I don’t know how” ... even onerpm.com offers tips and tricks, and ONErpm will be having a free music academy in the next few months open to all, so pick up your phone or laptop, and educate yourself!

BRAWTA

Name five songs on your playlist.

Spice - Queen of the Dancehall

Malie Donn - V6

Kabaka Pyramid - The Kalling

Kelvyn Bwoy - Down Flat

Its Natascha and Island Kidd - Hooray

yasmine.peru@gleanerjm.com