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Just a couple of days after George Zimmerman was acquitted in the Trayvon Martin case, 16-year-old singer Mali Nicole released a video dedicated to the slain teenager.

In the video, Mali paid homage by covering “No Guns Allowed,” Snoop Lion’s Drake-assisted anti-violence anthem. We were moved by the song and the visuals. We posted the video, and we knew that there was more to come from the singer.

It turns out that there’s already plenty there when it comes to Mali. A couple of years back, she was a participant in The X Factor, as part of a group called Statik Express. Some time later, Mali split from the group and went on her own, putting out a mixtape called Sweet 16, which featured numerous covers of popular songs, like Omarion’s “M.I.A.” and Justin Bieber’s “As Long As You Love Me.”

She’s proved herself to be pretty great, which is why we’re excited to premiere some new music from the Los Angeles-based singer.

Within the next couple of months, Mali will release another project called Confessions of a Teenager, which could be big.

Before the storm hits, we got a chance to talk with the young singer on the rise. We chatted about her new single, “Sunday Afternoon,” her time on The X Factor, and how she sees her future playing out.

Read the interview below. Also, take a listen to Mali’s new single “Sunday Afternoon” down under.

GlobalGrind: What are you working on right now?

Mali Nicole: Right now I’m working on my single called “Sunday Afternoon,” and we just finished the video. So that will be dropping really soon. I’m excited about that. And we’re working on the rest of the album, too.  That will be coming out really soon.

What can you tell me about the album?

It’s like R&B and pop music. I got a chance to work with cool artists. It’s really big.

When did you realize music is a path you can take?

Well, when I was eight years old I was in a group called Statik Express with my siblings, and we would perform a lot of places. We were really committed. We went on The X Factor. And I as I got older, we grew apart, and now I’m just on my own now.

How long have you been on your own?

Probably like two years.

What was the X Factor experience like?

It was fun. We were put in a system, we had to be on time with everything. Like a machine. It was great though because we got to meet a lot of artists that were wonderful, nice people. And we got to perform in front of these huge judges like L.A. Reid and Simon Cowell.

Anything you learned from that experience?

Never give up. When we lost I was really discouraged. And it was a tough moment. And I’m still sticking to it.

How long did it take you for you to get over it?

A week. No, I’m kidding, a couple of days.

Do you have a favorite cover you’ve done?

I would say “M.I.A.” by Omarion. 

Why is that your favorite?

Because I like my vocals on there. They’re really strong. And I love how I twisted it up, the melody. I made it the perfect girl version. My video as well — I love how that came out.

Who are your biggest musical influences?

I would have to say my mom is my biggest influence in terms of my life and musically. Because she teaches me how to be independent and how to work hard all the time and stay true to myself. And, as for celebrity influences, I would say Beyonce and Michael Jackson because I believe they worked extremely hard. They are the hardest workers in the industry. And their stage performances were so great. I’m a big fan of that.

Where do you see yourself within the next five years?

I would like to go on a worldwide tour. That’s my goal. And, also, win 6 Grammys. I don’t care how I do it. I just want to get 6 Grammys.

So what can fans expect from this new single?

It’s a chill song. It’s an [interpolation] of the Lighter Shade of Brown song.

Anything else you want to tell fans?

My album is coming out really soon, so be on the lookout. The name of my album is Confessions of a Teenager. And it’s going to be big. It has so many big features on it. Follow me on Twitter (@MaliNicoleMusic.) And like me on Facebook. And follow my Instagram.

Take a few minutes out of your day and check out the behind the scenes video for Mali Nicole’s “Sunday Afternoon.”