Genre-blending Irish hero-in-the-making Malaki is the latest rising star to feature in the [email protected] series.

The current run, in association with Hot Press, opened with a blistering performance from Belfast rock duo Dea Matrona, who delivered an explosive set back in June.

More musical fireworks can be expected when Malaki takes to the intimate rooftop stage on Wednesday, August 24th. Doors will open at 7pm. Fans can apply to Hot Press for tickets, but be warned: demand will far exceed supply, so make sure to get your applications in early.

“I’m feeling great about the Aloft gig for one because I haven’t played in a hotel before… unless when I was younger and grabbed the mic off some wedding band.” Malaki laughs before adding: “A lot of people have spent a lot of money going to festivals this summer, so it felt amazing to put in the caption of my Instagram post that if you want to see me live without spending so and so, all you have to do is apply. I’m so grateful to Hot Press for that.”

Blasting onto the Irish music scene in 2019, over the course of subsequent two years, Malaki has released a slew of powerful singles, from 2019’s ‘Call Us By Our Names’, ‘Love Through a Cigarette’, ‘Cuppa Tea’ and ‘46a’ to 2020’s Chrysalis EP, ‘Fair Play’ (feat. Lucy McWilliams), ‘Baby Bubblegum’, ‘Cavalier’ – and the Van Morrison tribute ‘Someone Like You 2’, released as part of the acclaimed Rave On, Van Morrison extravaganza, created and curated by Hot Press.

Malaki's lyrical dexterity in dealing with mature themes has successfully opened the floodgates for discussions of male mental health, as he tackled toxic masculinity and the impact of Dublin’s housing and homelessness crises on younger generations. Last year's electrifying EP Don’t Forget To Take Your Medicine cemented his 'One to Watch' status, with Malaki embracing his alter ego, Calvero.

He's part of a high tide, which is starting to bring the scene here international acclaim.

"We saw the likes of Denise Chaila playing Glastonbury and some of my friends who only have few singles out like Monjola, and Abby Coulibaly are playing every festival,” Malaki enthuses. “Hip hop and R&B is just dominating the scene right now. We’re being recognised internationally, not just in Ireland, we’re being taken seriously."

Judging by his slew of acclaimed festival appearances this year – at Body & Soul, Sea Sessions, Forbidden Fruit and All Together Now respectively – his live show is more than a bit special. Don't miss what promises to be a stunning set at the Dublin city centre Aloft Hotel later this month.