Stanisland Magazine

Review: Malik is a launching pad for Venna’s promising music career

Last updated: 7th September 2025

There’s no question that Venna (real name Malik Venner) is distinct from his contemporaries. His career is a script built for a biopic. His story began with the piano at six years old, before moving to his primary instrument, the saxophone, at age twelve. Alongside stints at art schools and in bands, his formative years influenced who he became as a musician — initially, a gifted student of jazz, he’s evolved beyond genre tagging.

Since then, he’s contributed to noted works for the likes of Burna Boy, WizKid, and the soundtrack for Beyoncé‘s The Lion King. His potential was realised when his solo EP Venology — a timeless fusion of not only jazz and blues, but also hip-hop, grime, and R&B — was released. His insignia goes beyond the scope of mere labels, and as we discover, these intrepid excursions in sound make the tastemaker into a beacon for an assortment of listeners.

Review: A Journey of Sound and Mind

As if tumbling down the rabbit hole, listeners are roused by the sound of reinvention on Yoshi’ Intro. Like a spiritual apparition, it dissipates before recognition, carrying us into Numero Uno, a self-explanatory track fit for all musical palates. Dusty drum rolls and elegant sax musings permeate the speakers before arriving to a graceful collaboration between Venner and Jorja Smith on Myself.

We’ve all heard its headline track, but it’s +Star101 that suffuses the next act of the album. With vocals by Cari, its presto strings and high-stakes definition roll into Day X2, featuring Mike and Marco. What’s beautiful about this release is that Venna has his slick touch all over it — from its instrumentation to vocals, he contributes to every facet of its being. Some of its genius lies in its interludes, like on Sao Paolo, a pulsating vestibule directing us to Twisting, featuring demure vocals by Leon Thomas.

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There’s a purpose to everything; Malik’s curatorial talent is prevalent throughout, piercing each track with a volley of systematic breathing. It’s an exhibition-style stroll through a musical gallery, consistent with thematic nuances that captivate us until the very end. Some of its features are foreshadowed — as on songs like Veranda, where Cari returns to touch upon the score once again.

The Verdict

From its floral stance with Smirno on Mr Popular to shorter tracks like Raggo Rock, we gain great insight into the artistry of Malik Venner, whose sincerity stimulates the arrangements of this 17-track work of art. Just when you think you’ve heard enough, we wander into a braise of lento performance — an unrefined virtuoso construct. This smoky, wispy canvas is a malleable pontoon of sorrowful, emotive balance, one that becomes whatever the audience hopes for.

Stream and Buy Vinyl

The album is available to stream on all major platforms, including Apple an YouTube Music. You can also purchase the long play on vinyl and CD.