With the island still beaming over Rock Sound’s Gianna Stirrup opening up for R Kelly as her stage persona Gia Miran, another pint sized powerhouse is showing that Eleuthera’s big on musical talent.
Malikah Pinder, daughter of Dwight and Maisie Pinder is putting James Cistern and Governor’s Harbour on the map as she sails through the competition on 242Untapped, a nationally syndicated reality singing television show airing on Cable 12 and online. The show, which is produced by Vincent ‘V-Mac’ McDonald has become a platform for Pinder who has been wowing us for years at island events. Now, she has a shot at winning $5,000 in cash and prizes, a music video and a recording contract from Elevation Records.
“I entered the show because [singing] was something I always wanted to do,” Malikah shared. “When I was in the 12th grade, I wanted to enter Eleuthera’s Got Talent but my daddy wouldn’t let me because he wanted me to focus on school. I was devastated! So when I heard about 242Untapped, I was afraid to ask because, being in college, I thought he would tell me that I should be focusing on school. But surprisingly, he was very excited and told me I should go for it. So with his permission I entered.”
Once she received her father’s blessing, she went on to receive a boost of confidence to help her get through the audition process in which she say a very controlled and connected rendition of Total Praise.
“At the auditions, I was placed in the A-Team, which eliminated the need for me to sing anything else for the judges,” she beamed. “They were sure they wanted me! Many people may think that would have caused my head to swell, but it was actually a very humbling experience for me.”
“I had always struggled with low self esteem,” Malikah confesses. “I was probably one of the last people to discover that I had singing potential. I was always my own worst enemy. So being in the top number was something that definitely caused me to realize my potential. In addition to all of this, being in the competition made me come to a greater awareness of God’s love for me and the purpose that He has for me. The morning of the auditions was the worst – I was so sick, I didn’t know how I was going to sing. But just for those few minutes that I had to go in and sing before the judges, I seemed to be in perfect health. That is purpose! I thought I wouldn’t be able to perform well enough to make it through, but God stepped in and worked a miracle!”
Despite being up against some really great singers, Pinder says the most important thing for her is to reach people with her gift.
“When I open my mouth to sing, I want people to feel God through me,” she said. “I just want to be a vessel. When I heard about the competition and saw that they were ‘in search of the next Bahamian Gospel star’, I was a bit frightened by the term ‘star’. This is because I didn’t really want a spot light…I didn’t wanna ‘take God’s glory’. But a friend of mine reminded me that it was a star that guided the wise-men to Jesus! And that has stuck with me throughout this competition. I just want to be that star that leads people to Jesus. So even if I don’t win, I’d like to know that I impacted someone anyway because that’s what it’s all about.”
Despite all the possibilities and the new found attention, Pinder isn’t rushing into a career in music. Right now, she’s continue her parents’ motto of “education first” and considers herself just as simple teacher-to-be, waiting for the day when she completes Early Childhood Education at The College of The Bahamas.
“I know that I will go far, but I’m not trying to rush into anything,” she smiles. “’Education first’, my parents would say! So that’s my main focus at this time.”
And from all us here on Eleuthera, we certainly wish our hometown star best wishes! And in case you are wondering when the next auditions are, an inside source from the show revealed that Eleuthera may be tapped as a next audition site for Season 2. For more information visit www.242untapped.com
