Key Takeaways
- Rising dancehall star Malie Donn, 23, turned his challenging Jamaican upbringing into musical inspiration.
- Despite early struggles, his breakthrough came with “V6” in 2023.
- He focuses on positive themes of prosperity and upliftment in his music rather than gun culture.
Malie Donn, the 23-year-old rising star in the dancehall and reggae scene, has captured the hearts of fans with his unique sound and relatable storytelling.
Born on December 18, 2001, Kimalie Hylton—better known as Malie Donn—hails from Jones Avenue in Spanish Town, Jamaica, and grew up in the vibrant community of Waterford, Portmore.
Early Life And Struggles
Growing up in a community marked by crime and violence, Malie Donn found solace in music.
Raised by his grandparents while his parents lived overseas, he shouldered significant responsibilities at a young age, helping to care for his younger siblings.
These challenges shaped his perspective and inspired his commitment to using music as a tool for upliftment and change.
Despite early resistance from his grandparents, who worried about the pressures of the music industry, Malie persisted.
In an interview, he said, “Music was my dream.” He often saved his lunch money to pay for studio time, using social media to share his songs when he couldn’t afford mixing costs.
Musical Beginnings And Breakthrough
Malie’s talent blossomed during his school years at Waterford Primary and Bridgeport High School, where he initially pursued athletics as a disciplinary requirement.
Participating in events like the ISSA GraceKennedy Boys’ and Girls’ Championships and the Miami Classics, he showed promise in track and field.
However, his passion for music eventually outweighed his athletic ambitions, leading him to focus on his craft.
With hit tracks like Bank, Crook, Cash Code, Pressure in Life, and Survivor, Malie Donn quickly gained recognition in the dancehall scene.
His breakthrough single, V6, released in early 2023, propelled him into the spotlight, showcasing his ability to blend traditional dancehall vibes with modern influences.
Unlike many of his peers, Malie chooses to focus on themes of prosperity, upliftment, and social awareness rather than perpetuating gun culture.
He shared,
“I’m singing money tunes, upliftment tunes, gal tunes, and tunes about prosperity.”
Via Jamaica Observer
His positive outlook and commitment to growth resonate deeply with his fans.
Malie credits his challenging upbringing for his authenticity.
His music often reflects his personal experiences, including his struggles with poverty and his drive to create a better life for himself and his family.
Now an established artist, Malie enjoys a more comfortable lifestyle but remains grounded.
“Music changed my life tremendously. I no longer have to look over my shoulder or run from police. Things have changed, and I am grateful.”
Via Jamaica Observer
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Malie Donn has 425K subscribers on YouTube and 226K followers on Instagram.
- Similarly, he has 504K monthly listeners on Spotify.
