Pop, Funk, and Jazz Collide in Marat Zhalovaha's 'Light It Up'

The Covid-19 pandemic has been a difficult time for artists all over the world. In the absence of live shows, many musicians have spent their downtime refining their acts and songwriting.

Ukraine-born artist Marat Zhalovaha has done just that - releasing a single sparked by the pandemic and birthed upon the realision that "it is us, people, that make the world turn around and that only when we are happy, our world is spinning and we feel alive." Light It Up poses the question, 'What makes you happy?'

Marat's rich musical background is at the forefront of this track. With roots in soul, jazz, funk, gospel, and pop, he combines a little of each genre to craft what can only be described as a delicious, funkalicious bop.

Layering tasty guitar, groovy bass, jazzy piano, and some truly infectious vocals, Light It Up is a jam, inviting you with open arms to tap your feet, bop your head, and dance. Special mention to the saxophone - the cherry on top of the funk sundae - roaring into a solo midway through the song that I couldn't help but listen to again and again.

Now based in the UK, Marat Zhalovaha has me - and will have you - craving more of Marat's musical mastery.

Listen to 'Light It Up' and other featured tunes in our Fireflight Features playlist!