Singer Chris Malachi is quite upbeat as he prepares to perform at the pre-game show at this evening’s World Cup qualifying game between Jamaica’s Reggae Boyz and Curacao.

Chris Malachi, who has been creating waves with the song Brighter Days, told the Jamaica Observer on Monday, that the song is a prayer for Jamaicans.

“The song is a prayer for us all, as Jamaicans, to help us stay grounded in faith through these current times. It was written the day before the hurricane and I wanted to put out a hymn that could resonate with every Jamaican,” said Chris Malachi.

He added: “I feel quite blessed to be performing at such a historic match. To think that I made this song just a couple weeks ago and it’s resonated so well that it’s led to this moment.”

Chris Malachi describes himself as a casual football fan.

“Many of my friends and family are avid football fans so I have to keep in the know to be a part of the conversation. I also really enjoy the community and overall energy that the sport brings,” he said while sharing what he thought was a memorable moment for him.

“In 2023, at the Concacaf Nations league, Jamaica played Canada in Toronto, their home turf, and won the match even with Canada as the favourites. I’d say that’s the proudest and most recent memorable moment,” he said.

The multi-hyphenate wrote, produced, mixed, arranged, and mastered Brighter Days.

“It’s my first time doing every part of a song, and I’m very proud of it,” he said of the song released officially on November 2.

The artiste added that the historic nature of the moment is not lost on him.

“Of course, the last time Jamaica qualified for the World Cup was in 1998. So, just to be a part of that night is something I’m greatly looking forward to. The song has been picking up great traction and I’m excited to perform it in this setting, because I believe it aligns with our culture right now. Jamaica is going through a hard time, and this match has the potential to give us all some well-needed joy and cause for celebration. I’m blessed to be a part of anything that can uplift my people,” he shared.

Originating from Stony Hill, St Andrew, Chris Malachi knew from a young age what his ultimate goal was. Like most of Jamaica’s musically inclined, he began in the church, where he took pleasure in singing songs at Sunday service, gradually matriculating from learning to playing the piano, to being part of the church choir as a vocal performer.

The familiar connection to music ministry runs deep, with Chris Malachi’s father, a dedicated choir director, having orchestrated annual concerts in Mandeville for over three decades. The musical lineage continued with his uncle, a bishop in their current church, who is not only a spiritual guide but also a remarkable singer.

Chris Malachi developed an interest in poetry and songwriting through English language and literature classes in high school. Then, during his time as a student at The University of The West Indies, he joined several performance and musical groups, with which he had the opportunity to perform many different styles of music, ranging from jazz to roots-reggae. These experiences gave him the tools to hone his skills as a vocalist, writer, musical arranger, and co-producer for much of his work.

A section of the stands during the World Cup Qualifier between Curacao and Jamaica at Ergilio Hato Stadium in Willemstad, Curacao, on Friday, October 10, 2025. (Photo: Naphtali Junior)