Inspired by funk, jazz, soul, hip-hop, and pop, Malah Palinka are an 8-piece ensemble from Sheffield, UK.

Citing references including Vulfpeck, Hiatus Kaiyote, and Snarky Puppy, the band combine infectious funk grooves, swanky harmonies, and dreamlike lyrics delivered in 3-part harmony. Malah Palinka’s energetic live performances are designed to get people moving and grooving along to their brassy hooks and tight rhythm section.

Comprising mostly of University of Sheffield music grads, Malah Palinka formed in late 2019 as part of the growing future jazz / neo soul scene in the north. Their debut EP How to Wake Up was released in 2021 following a highly successful kickstarter campaign, and since then they’ve been selling out headline shows, playing festivals including the BBC stage at Tramlines, and supporting the likes of Renegade Brass Band and Heritage.

In 2023, Malah Palinka released their first single Baby Who Hurt You? - a funky pop anthem which made its way onto BBC Radio 6 Music’s Introducing Mixtape. The song was accompanied by a music video filmed at Crookes Social Club, which has a rich history of live jazz in Sheffield. The band have since released their second EP Is It Happening Now? - an eclectic mix of jazz, neo soul, funk, pop, disco, and indie. The record combines rich instrumental arrangements, high-energy modern production, flashy solos, infectious grooves, and captivating melodies that are sure to get people singing along. A second single and lyrics video was released for the track Marshmallow.