Thirteen-year-old Malakai Bayoh possesses a voice reminiscent of an angel, and this Christmas, audiences should not overlook the ethereal quality of his duet with Aled Jones on “O Holy Night.” The young finalist from Britain’s Got Talent collaborated with the Classic FM presenter for a performance at St Paul’s Church in Covent Garden, London. Their rendition quickly became a viral sensation, captivating fans with Malakai’s clear and resonant voice, which harmoniously complemented Jones’ baritone.
Malakai begins the performance with a flawless verse that showcases his agile vocal abilities. The young artist is capable of reaching truly remarkable notes, and when the multi-part harmony emerges later in the piece, it indeed evokes the sound of angels. Readers of The Music Man may recognize that Jones was an ideal partner for Malakai, as he delivers a dignified verse before transitioning to a refined lower register that beautifully counters the teenager’s melody.
Classic FM shared the duet on YouTube on December 23, 2022. The performance garnered significant attention, attracting 5.2 million viewers eager to enjoy the Christmas carol. The audience expressed their admiration for the duet, leaving comments such as, “Malakai possesses not only a crystal-clear voice but also the poised and dignified presence of someone far older. A truly captivating talent!” and “Malakai’s effortless and powerful reach to the top F is simply remarkable. He is one of the finest trebles I have ever encountered.”
Readers of The Music Man may recall Malakai from his outstanding performances on Britain’s Got Talent in 2023. The young artist advanced to the finals of the show’s 16th season, and his success is easily understood. Malakai captivated audiences with his extraordinary voice during his audition, which received 12.5 million views and earned him a golden buzzer for his rendition of the hymn “Pie Jesu.”
Malakai Bayoh shared with Simon Cowell on Britain’s Got Talent that he began his singing journey at the age of seven when he joined a choir. He subsequently launched his music career by participating in a production of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s The Magic Flute. His 2022 recording of “O Holy Night” alongside Jones introduced him to a global audience of music enthusiasts. The following year, the young artist released his debut album, Golden, through Universal Music, achieving a number one hit on the UK Classical charts.
