On June 13th, South London-born singer, producer, and Afro-R&B pioneer Maleek Berry finally unveils his long-anticipated debut album, If Only Love Was Enough, a bold, emotional, and genre-bending statement of intent. Featuring an all-star lineup including Wizkid, Tiwa Savage, Ruger, and Zlatan, the project is largely self-produced, with additional contributions from acclaimed duo Legendury Beatz, who lend their touch to four tracks. The lead single, Situation, sees Maleek reunite with longtime friend and collaborator Wizkid, rekindling the chemistry that’s defined their past hits. With smooth vocals, infectious grooves, and immaculate production, the track stands as a clear highlight and a reminder of their journey and a glimpse into their evolution. The album rollout began last year with ‘Lately’ featuring Ruger, a track that became a fan favourite and marked the start of a new chapter.
If Only Love Was Enough is a sonic journey that seamlessly blends Afrobeats, R&B, and Reggae, all anchored by Maleek’s signature Afro-R&B sound, melodic, emotive, and unmistakably his. From the raw vulnerability of The Pain to the sultry, late-night groove of My Body, featuring Tiwa Savage, the R&B influence pulses throughout, mirroring the emotional depth of the project. The album traverses a wide emotional landscape while staying intimate and cohesive. Maleek effortlessly shifts between moods and tempos, delivering the seductive pull of Mirror and the high-energy euphoria of dancefloor anthems like Lagos Party, Who Be This One and Onyeoma.
Over the past year, Maleek Berry has steadily released new music while making high-profile appearances that have fueled anticipation for his long-awaited debut album. He lit up the stage at AfroCarnival in New York City alongside DJ Tunez and made a standout appearance at Skepta’s MAINS show during London Fashion Week, two powerful moments that underscored his expanding influence on the global music scene. During the winter, he returned to Nigeria to reconnect with his roots and collaborate with local talent, all while finalising his debut project. If Only Love Was Enough is more than just an album, it’s a deeply personal and introspective body of work that resonates with a global audience. As an independent artist, Maleek Berry recently announced a strategic partnership between his label, Berry’s Room, and FUGA. This collaboration will support the worldwide distribution and marketing of his catalog and future releases. Widely respected as a role model for the next generation of artists, Maleek is passionate about nurturing emerging Afrobeats talent. His vision extends far beyond music, he’s committed to empowering young creatives through ownership and building a lasting legacy that transcends generations.
