Lagos-based artist Tunde Joseph Malaika, known professionally as TJMalaika, is entering a new stage of his career with “Cherrie,” a new single that reflects the freedom and instinct behind his current approach to music. The track blends modern Afrobeats, mid-tempo dancehall bounce, and glossy Afropop hooks, while introducing a sound shaped without outside pressure.
“Cherrie” began with a free instrumental. TJMalaika heard the beat, connected with its rhythm and energy, and immediately started freestyling over it. Rather than entering the recording process with a fixed concept, he allowed the instrumental to guide his flow and let the song develop naturally. That spontaneous beginning remains central to the final track, which pairs a bass-heavy groove with romantic lyrics and a highly repetitive chorus built around “Love me, love me…”
The track also leaves room for a change in pace. During the mid-song breakdown, the production pulls back and puts greater attention on the percussion and TJMalaika’s rapid-fire vocal delivery. The shift gives “Cherrie” a different energy within the song and adds to its appeal for both everyday listening and more energetic settings.
The release arrives during what TJMalaika describes as a creative rebuilding phase. After reconnecting with his UK-based manager, Mo, in 2026, the pair decided to take his music more seriously and rebuild his artistic identity from the ground up.
TJMalaika handles the music himself, working from his personal studio in Lagos where he has the freedom to experiment, record, mix, and master at his own pace. The recording process took place over several days, with breaks whenever needed rather than following a rushed schedule. He created the track using his sequencer and recording software effects, without external instruments or additional equipment.
Mo has taken responsibility for the strategy, rollout, and organisation surrounding the releases, while TJMalaika remains focused on creating the music. DistroKid also supported the distribution process for “Cherrie.”
The starting point for “Cherrie” was simply the connection he felt when he heard the instrumental. That instinctive approach is also reflected in the wider direction of his current work, where each release is being used to refine his sound, establish consistency, and build a foundation for future music and performances.
There are no performances scheduled at the moment as TJMalaika and Mo continue to focus on strengthening the catalogue and establishing the right structure for the next stage. For now, “Cherrie” represents one of the first releases from that rebuilding process, with TJMalaika allowing the music to lead the way.
Stream below: open.spotify.com/track/0MpnGEGoL
Follow TJMalaika:@tjmalaika.