Maleek Berry & Ruger: The 'Lately' anthem demands your summer goals to keep going strong

Low-key? I’m already in my fall flexing but even I know the summer is still hanging in there and showing out. So it’s no shocker duo Maleek Berry and Ruger are determined to keep you turning up with their ‘Lately’ anthem.

Maleek Berry and Ruger deliver with their ‘Lately’ single

It’s more than just a catchy tune. The song goes hard and completely forces the sun to stay out a little longer and keeps the heat pumping before those inevitable temperature drops later this month.

Today, 5th September, South London’s Afro-R&B trailblazer, singer, and producer Maleek Berry drops his new single, "Lately," from his highly anticipated debut album, If Only Love Was Enough which is set for release on 27th September. On "Lately," Maleek teams up with Nigerian Afro-fusion sensation Ruger, delivering a powerful collaboration that blends their signature vocals with Maleek’s top-tier production. Together, they are making their mark on the vibrant global Afrobeats scene. Currently immersed in album mode, Maleek kicked things off last month with the release of "Secrets," the first single from his debut album. He followed it up with a trip to New York, where he performed alongside DJ Tunez at AfroCarnival.

Maleek Berry has cultivated a loyal fan base that has supported him throughout his evolution from a groundbreaking producer to an international artist. Born and raised in Clapham, South London, Maleek was deeply influenced by the area's rich musical heritage. Growing up near the iconic So Solid Crew, who paved the way for aspiring artists, he found inspiration to pursue his musical dreams. His passion for music was ignited during his secondary school years when he began creating beats for a local Grime group. In 2011, wanting to reconnect with his roots, Maleek returned to Lagos and began producing music for artists like Davido and Wizkid. From that point on, he has been instrumental in introducing the world to the sounds emerging from Africa, particularly Afrobeats, playing a pivotal role in bringing these genres to a global audience.

Since his debut single in 2021, Ruger, born Michael Adebayo Olayinka, has emerged as a dynamic force in the African music scene, swiftly garnering recognition and acclaim. That same year, he earned nominations for prestigious awards such as AFRIMMA's "Most Promising African Artiste" and clinched the AFRIMMA trophy for ‘Best Newcomer.’ The momentum continued into 2022, with a nomination for ‘Next Rated’ at The Headies. In 2023, Ruger secured the AFRIMMA accolade for ‘Best Male West Africa’ and the Soundcity MVP award for "Best New Artiste," affirming his rising star status. Embarking on a triumphant European tour that same year, Ruger showcased his captivating music to a global audience. Ruger has unveiled a string of high-calibre projects in just two years, beginning with his debut EP ‘Pandemic,’ followed by ‘The Second Wave’ and its deluxe edition. His breakout single ‘Asiwaju’ soared to the summit of charts in Nigeria and claimed the #3 spot on the OCC Afrobeats Chart in the UK. Tracks like ‘Girlfriend’ and ‘Bounce’ further solidified his international appeal. Ruger's debut album, ‘Ru the World,’ featuring chart-topping lead singles ‘Kristy’ and ‘Tour,’ firmly establishes him as a trailblazing artist renowned for his distinctive style and magnetic music. Last year, Ruger also shared his debut album, Ru The World, which debuted at No. 10 on the U.S. Billboard Reggae Albums Chart.

With an impressive list of accolades, including two MOBO nominations, Maleek Berry has solidified his place in the music industry. His standout tracks, the BRIT-certified silver hit "Kontrol" and the BRIT-certified gold single "Sit Back Down," showcase his unique talent. Over the past year, he has made a powerful return with two solo singles, "Ole Gan" and "My Way," while also featuring on "Feel Different" alongside Reekado Banks and Adekunle Gold, and "Wave" with Ghanaian artist Smallgod. Adding to his already impressive list of collaborations, which includes icons like Wizkid, Davido, Tiwa Savage, King Promise, Ladipoe, and RAY BLK, Maleek also performed alongside CKay, Nikita Kering, Pheelz, Sarkodie, and The Compozers with the BBC 1Xtra Afrobeats Orchestra. Known for his distinctive sound and enigmatic presence, Maleek Berry is crafting his legacy on his terms, reclaiming his place in the global music scene. Now back in his element, Maleek is poised for a monumental year in 2024. Following the release of his highly anticipated debut album, ‘If Only Love Was Enough’, in September, he has also announced a seven-date European tour, culminating at the O2 Shepherds Bush Empire on October 17th. With much more in store,