Hello arts lovers!
Some artists are born with a spotlight in their sights. Others find it by accident, one Ace Ventura impression at a time. This month, I had the pleasure of chatting with singer, choral director, and all-around performing arts champion Malaika Horswill. From early days in Nelson’s vibrant arts scene to leading choirs and staging musicals, Malaika’s creative path is rooted in community and collaboration. We talked about the pull of home, life as a rural artist, and the magic of making music together.
What’s your background/training/story as an artist?
I have a distinct memory of being around eight-years-old and having my teenage sister and her friends ask me to do Ace Ventura impressions for them. For whatever reason (sheer talent, I can only assume), it made them laugh, and I think I’ve been chasing that feeling ever since. I am a total sucker for praise and attention, and luckily I’ve been able to slowly craft a life that lets me get in front of an audience on a semi-regular basis (though I’m not really much of an impressions guy anymore).
Growing up in Nelson, I was incredibly lucky to be immersed in the arts from a young age. My parents signed me up for dance classes and piano lessons, and I got to participate in local theatre and opera productions. When I was 11, I started singing in Corazón with (former music director) Allison Girvan, and that was the beginning of my life-long obsession with choral music (and with Allison, too — how cool is she?).
My love for choir is what led me to Edmonton after high school to sing with a choir there, and that’s where I ended up doing my undergrad. After finishing school, I moved to Vancouver, and it was there that two of my dearest friends and I started a choir of our own. All three of us were former Corazón singers and our dream was to make something in Vancouver that felt a little bit like the choir family that Allison had built in Nelson. That choir organization, Gracenote Vancouver, is celebrating its 10th season this year!
Why did you end up in Nelson?
I came back to Nelson in 2021. During lockdown, my partner and I both felt a strong pull to come back to the Kootenays, where we both grew up. We wanted to be closer to family and to be back in the mountains. We started planning our move in the fall of 2020 and made the long drive (with a very unhappy cat) during the heat dome in the summer of 2021.
What keeps you here?
So many things! I love that people smile and say hello on the street, and that there’s a pristine body of water we can jump in all summer long. I love how Nelson shows up for the arts, and I’m blown away by the amount of talent that’s packed into our wee little town. And I’m so grateful to have theatre and dance back in my life since returning to Nelson – a huge shout out to the Capitol Theatre, Black Productions, and Dance Fusion for all the joy they bring to this community!
How did you score your biggest professional gig?
Truthfully, I am still pinching myself. Growing up singing in Corazón, I used to joke that my goal in life was to be Allison Girvan when I grew up. The fact that, all these years later, she has entrusted me with taking over the leadership of Corazón and Solstice still blows my mind. I just finished my fourth season with the choirs, and it has been such an immense privilege to get to work with so many superstar young musicians.
Any hot tips for people who want to live rurally but be a professional artist?
To be honest, I’m still faking it ‘til I make it, so I don’t exactly feel like it’s my place to offer any hot tips. I can say that I wouldn’t be anywhere without the help and support of so many other incredible artists in this community and beyond. So maybe that’s the tip? Foster and cherish your relationships with other artists, and don’t be afraid to ask for help.
Any information that you want to share about any new projects that you have in the works?
Audition registration is now open for my choirs! Solstice is a beginner-friendly group for singers ages 12 and up, and Corazón is a more advanced choir for singers 15-25. If you or someone you know is interested in auditioning, send me an email at choir.malaika@gmail.com for more info!
Also, this summer I’ll be part of the team that’s putting on the Summer Youth Production of the Sound of Music at The Capitol Theatre. Tickets are on sale now through The Capitol Theatre Box Office.
Sydney Black is executive director of the Nelson and District Arts Council. Blank Canvas appears monthly.
