Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Malek Hanna. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Malek thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

Pursuing a professional creative and artistic path isn’t always easy but when the bug bites, there is no turning back. Being creative was always a part of what made me the person I am. The need to connect, understand, express and use imagination was my language that I always thought of as a super power. I recall being around nine years old, sitting in English class, while my 4th grade teacher was going over some mundane lesson. I would lean towards what sounded like pipes bleeding and harmonize to the sound. It would create this harmonious toll that vibrated, nobody knew where it was coming from. At that moment, I felt like a magician. Suddenly, I had the ability to be invisible if and when I wanted to, while creating this harmonious undertone. It was a current that overtook my body; I knew, then and there, my life path would be one of creativity. The magic was sparked. I discovered creativity in everything I did, not only through music and the stage, but from the way I looked at ideas and hidden patterns within reality, as it was revealed to me. Since then, the spark kept getting bigger and louder.

Malek, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

While I was always a creative spirit and had the need to express at a young age, I actually professionally pursued acting, music and eventually production at the tail end of my formal studies, while attending Fordham University in NYC. During my last semester in graduate school, I knew that it was time to pack my bags and head over to Los Angeles to gain more film and television experience. Prior to that however, I did a slew of acting and music gigs on and off many stages in New York, while acquiring technical acting tools and skills from my coaches and professors, as I double majored in Political Science and Theater. All the while, I was singing at the local church as a soloist and would attend local film festivals and live performances. I also was cast in a bunch of school plays and musicals and was constantly working on my chops. Growing up in NYC provided me the ability to learn and appreciate culture, art in its different facets, and people from all walks of life. It gave me the skills to essentially maneuver life and see things from a creative lens. People who unapologetically lived their truth was something that always inspired, intrigued and encouraged me to live life boldly. Artists and free thinkers were the truth seekers, the whistleblowers, the advocates for change and enlightenment, in my mind. Fast forward, once I got acclimated with Los Angeles, I took a leap of faith; I hustled, stayed positive, tenacious and did what I could to survive in the city of dreams. I took some side teaching job and a bartending gig, while eventually landing an agent which then lead to a few acting and music gigs, which in turn lead to more things. I’ve learned that everything is cause and effect, one thing leads to the next, sometimes in ways you would never have imagined. My advice is to try not be overwhelmed and stay humble; do the work, take classes, stay focused, discipline your mind, surround yourself with positive people who encourage and support you, sometimes that means being open to hearing things you may not like. I want others to be empowered by stories like this, as it is a human story. I currently work in many facets of entertainment. On the music front, I will be releasing an original single and music video, “Which Way to Go,” which was just chosen as an official selection in the “Women’s Film Festival” of Philadelphia, my director, Monique Impagliazzo’s hometown. My other two music singles will be released as duets with Latin Grammy Winner, Paulina Aguirre and the legendary, Roslyn Kind, in 2023, along with my album release, entitled, “On the Right Track,” comprised of about 9 orignal songs.
On the acting front, I was recently cast in a Christmas film entitled, “Saint Nick” and can also be seen acting in the feature, “Bed & Breakfast,” currently streaming on Amazon Prime. As for production and more acting, there are a slate of films in different stages of development and production that will soon be starting in the upcoming year!

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

My creative journey is and always has been one of connectivity and healing. I believe that artists have a responsibility to shape and contribute in shifting the lens of society through new ideas, talents, and ways of communicating and understanding. Through creativity and its many facets, one is able to magnify societal norms and question why we are the way we are. Encouraging creativity and its artistic forms assists in understanding difference, which in turn can lead to a better and more loving, peaceful and inclusive society.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

Being a creative inspires and encourage me to be a voice for the voiceless. The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the ability to live unapologetically. To live fearlessly is empowering and something that nobody can take away from you. Being a creative can also provide vision for yourself and/or others who can not necessarily see and/or live in fear, whether they know it or not. Being an artist or creative equals freedom. Keep on dreaming my friends…for if you can conceive it, you can achieve it. Trust your inner guide, it will not steer you wrong.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.malekhanna.com
• Instagram: @malek.hanna
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/malekhannaartist
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/malekhanna/
• Youtube: @malekhanna866
• Other: https://linktr.ee/malekhanna https://open.spotify.com/album/4DvMnLX1XjkxRF53WG6VYC https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1827352/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1

Image Credits
Dana Colwell Photography