Sierra-Leonean Artist Laik drops steamy visuals for Wantin/Stuck Inside
Laik, known formally as Malaika Ankrah, the 22-year old singer-songwriter currently based in Maryland, USA, is making a significant impression as an Afro-beat infused pop artist in the American and African musical scene. Having spent 7 years in Sierra Leone, Laik noticed that “when it came to the standard of music being released by Sierra Leone artists, [he] knew there was a quality gap compared to other African music coming out at the time”. It was this that inspired the young singer to start making his own music; drawing inspiration from Sierra Leone in incorporating krio (Sierra Leonean creole-dialect) into his music – Laik has managed to successfully pioneer a West African/American musical fusion. Having studied civil engineering, cyber security, and eventually sound engineering – the young and talented artist has a range of both creative and scientific skills aiding in creating a refined and yet dreamy sound.
Following the release of his Wanted EP, Laik’s musical video merging two songs from the album, “Wantin” and “Stuck Inside”, is released on Youtube. The video makes use of a smoky, red-lighted bar atmosphere to accompany a sultry and inviting ‘dance’ between the subject and a beautiful woman.
Paralleling the message and mood of the songs, the playful video entrenches the alluring bounce of the music. Stuck Inside, the second song featured in the video, has significant meaning to the artist as it “was [him] expressing how lonely [he] was getting” following isolation and restriction in COVID-related lockdowns. The video progressing into that of Laik being kidnapped by a mob of girls preventing him from being with his love-interest reflects, notes the artist, the similar ways in which he was restricted due to the pandemic. Featuring shots of the Salone streets, the song and video aid in bridging West-African to the rest of the world.
Find more of Laik’s music and visuals here.
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