Anika Markle Malakai Bayoh, a 12-year-old singing prodigy, captivated audiences with his breathtaking performance of O Holy Night in a duet with renowned singer and Classic FM presenter Aled Jones. The duet was recorded in the historic St Paul’s Church in Covent Garden, London, famously known as “The Actors’ Church.” The church’s serene 17th-century setting provided the perfect backdrop for their unforgettable rendition of Adolphe Adam’s beloved Christmas carol.
A Rising Star in Classical Music
Malakai Bayoh is no stranger to the stage. In November 2022, he made his debut at the prestigious Royal Opera House, singing the role of Oberto in Handel’s Alcina alongside celebrated opera stars Lisette Oropesa and Mary Bevan. A member of the Schola Cantorum at The Cardinal Vaughan Memorial School in West London, Malakai began his musical journey as a chorister at St. George’s Cathedral in Southwark. His talent has already earned him recognition as one of the most promising young voices in classical music today.
The video of Malakai and Aled’s O Holy Night performance quickly went viral, amassing over 15 million views across platforms like YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Viewers were mesmerized by Malakai’s pure, angelic voice, which perfectly complemented Aled Jones’ seasoned tone. The duet has been widely praised for its emotional depth and technical brilliance, earning thousands of heartfelt comments from fans around the world.
In addition to O Holy Night, the pair also recorded a touching version of Howard Blake’s Walking in the Air, the iconic theme from The Snowman. This collaboration further showcased Malakai’s extraordinary vocal talent and highlighted the timeless beauty of Christmas music.
Fans eagerly await what’s next for this gifted 12-year-old.