Malika Ayane | en

Malika Ayane (Milan, 24 January 1984) is an Italian pop singer with Moroccan ancestry. Her musical training began at the Giuseppe Verdi Conservatory of Milan, where from 1995 to 2001 she studied cello. While attending she sang in the Coro di Voci Bianche (Chorus of White Voices). In this youth ensemble of the famous La Scala Theatre, Malika was often called upon to perform soloist selections for the group.

Several years later an encounter with noted Sugar music producer Caterina Caselli led to the creation of her first album. It was released and self-entitled "Malika Ayan" in September, 2007. One of the singles released from the album," Soul waver", has an Italian version called, Sospesa, and it proved to be a radio success. Another single, Feeling better, has risen to No. 6 on the Italy music chart.

Malika has been scheduled to contend in February for Best New Artist 2009 at the SanRemo festival. One of her songs from the album, Come Foglie, has been selected. She has also been invited to sing a duet with famous Italian singer Gino Paoli. .