VF releases special vinyl edition of Venna’s debut album

The special edition is limited to 550 copies.

South London saxophonist and producer Venna has r eleased his debut album MALIK on vinyl via The Vinyl Factory.

Pressed on 180-gram heavyweight aubergine vinyl and limited to 550 copies, the release comes with a full-colour inner sleeve.

‍

MALIK brings together a wide circle of collaborators. Vocal features come from Jorja Smith, Cari, Leon Thomas, Smino, MIKE and Venna himself, while Instrumental contributions include Rocco Palladino, Elijah Fox, AoD, J Warner, Marco Bernardis and longtime collaborator Yussef Dayes.

The album lands after an inimitable run of high-profile work. Venna won a Grammy at just 21 for his work on Burna Boy's Twice As Tall, and has since contributed to records by Beyoncé, Wizkid, Kali Uchis, J Hus and Knucks. His earlier EPs Venology and EQUINOX established his solo voice, and MALIK is his first full-length under his own name.

Malik, meaning "King" or "Leader" in Arabic, is Venna's birth name. "A strong name that means King or Leader in Arabic," he says. "A name I've lived with all my life, one my closest friends and family call me, and one I've grown into."

‍

Venna continues to resist easy categorisation. While the saxophone sits at the centre, MALIK moves freely across bossa nova, R&B, soul and rap. The record reflects the range of his work as a session musician and collaborator, shaped by years spent touring and returning to London between runs on the road.

"I allow myself to be a vessel of music," Venna says. "A stream of consciousness flows through me in the studio. I believe God is present in the music I make and in life itself. This openness gives me the freedom to create without limitations, whether it's playing sax, producing, singing, or guiding musicians in the room."

Venna's MALIK is out now via The Vinyl Factory / Cashmere Thoughts. Order a copy now.