Skip to content

VIDEO: Outstanding young performers come forward year after year

Valley’s emerging talent never ceases to amaze local audiences
18081748_web1_malakai-on-child-size-guitar
Above and below, Malakai plays two of his three guitars as well as the keyboards during his performance at the 39 Days of July Youth Appreciation Day in Duncan. (Lexi Bainas/Citizen)

The pint-sized dynamo known as Malakai sometimes performs on a banjo that’s almost his own height, but that is just the beginning of the show.

He’s a well-known sight at the Duncan Showroom, where this 10-year-old has been honing his act for years.

Yes, years! (His mom accompanies him to the club as he works on perfecting his performances.)

He was no stranger at The 39 Days of July, either, charming the crowd with his combination of childlike exuberance, surprising stageside polish, and amazing versatility.

During his most recent public show, on the closing day of the 39 Days, which celebrates youth, Malakai played his banjo to start his performance at Charles Hoey Park.

The instrument was almost as long as he was tall but he was master.

Next up, he was on a big guitar, but he was not done; he had two more guitars as well to assure everyone he was a versatile guy.

No one ever doubted it.

18081748_web1_malakai-on-full-size-guitar
Next up, he’s on a bigger guitar, but he’s not done yet. (Lexi Bainas/Citizen)
18081748_web1_malakai-on-rock-guitar
Here’s guitar number three, and Malakai also included a song on the keyboards to assure everyone he was a versatile guy. No one ever doubted it. (Lexi Bainas/Citizen)
18081748_web1_malakai-sings-with-feeling
Malakai sings a variety of numbers for an appreciative crowd. (Lexi Bainas/Citizen)
18081748_web1_malakai-at-keyboard
And the keyboards, too? You bet. Malakai is the whole package. (Lexi Bainas/Citizen)