THE unveiling of Dancin’ Shoes, the debut album from recording artiste Malijah at the South Beach Café in St Andrew recently was well received.

In the spirit of the title of the 13-track set, the young singer’s celebratory performance had the Lady Musgrave Road venue rocking to the beat.

Do not be fooled by his low-profile status on the local music scene, the humble and unassuming Malijah, born Naval Lee Bennett, has good reason to show off Dancin’ Shoes. If for nothing else, is the fact that he already caught the attention of individuals in the music industry.

Among them Spanish music/film producer Fernando Garcia-Guerta, better known as Nando Garcia (of the documentary Why Jamaicans Run So Fast? fame), who put some muscle behind the creation of Malijah’s early singles One More Spliff, No Combo — a collaboration with former model Zenesha Riley and Freedom Street.

As a result of this association, Malijah has not only enjoyed on-air rotation in Jamaica, but has also caused a stir in Spain and other parts of Europe.

“Right now my album is finally out and it’s produced by a producer from Barcelona, Spain. These people saw the talent in me as I already had a single out in Spain that did well — One More Spliff,” Malijah told Splash.

My journey started in ’96 when I started to produce some night shows in Barcelona with Jamaican artistes. We started with Mighty Diamonds. And from ’96 to 2008 we have been touching the road with many artistes from Mystic Revelation of Rastafari, the Skatalites, Toots Hibbert.”

“The first time I listen to reggae music is a song called Three Little Birds from 1982 and it just touched me. Touched my soul and I can’t get away. It was a moment and it’s one of the reasons why I am here today and try to produce good music, uplifting music. Music that educate and give the people some common sense and reasoning,” says Malijah.