Malik DOPE Drummer is a 27-year-old percussionist who is currently competing on season 15 of America’s Got Talent. Born Malik Stewart, the Washington D.C. native first started playing the drums around the age of 5.
His mother was in the KanKouran West African Dance Company which exposed Malik to African drum and dance at an early age. Around the age of 12, Malik started to take percussion more seriously and began practicing “GoGo” music which originated in the D.C. area. Inspired by the movie drumline, Malik says he dreamed of one day playing in a collegiate marching band.
In May of 2020, Malik made his America’s Got Talent debut appearing on the season 15 premiere. Malik has worked hard to get to this point and at times it has taken a toll on him. Before his audition, Malik explained to judges that he was close to death after having a car accident, where he fell asleep at the wheel returning from a performance. Recalling the experience, he said, “When you’re one moment away from losing your life, it really makes you think about everything you’re doing, and that’s why I came to America’s Got Talent.” “This is my chance to show America who I am.” For his audition, Malik gave an electrifying drum performance of "Look At Me Now" and "Mi Gente" After the performance, Judge Howie Mandel said, “You’re a dancer, you’re a drummer, you're an entertainer.” “This is the kind of show that I would love to go see”