Emerging artist Lulu Malaya steps boldly into the spotlight as she finally releases her highly anticipated debut single “Time To Fly.” A vibrant and emotionally rich fusion of pop, hip-hop, and musical theatre, the track signals the arrival of a performer whose artistry is rooted in courage, storytelling, and unapologetic self-belief. With theatrical energy and modern edge, Lulu Malaya delivers a debut that feels both deeply personal and universally inspiring.
“Time To Fly” is not simply a first release. It is a moment years in the making. The song’s lyrics lived quietly on paper for a long time, waiting for the right spark. That spark came after the Wicked film hit cinemas, when the enduring message of “Defying Gravity” stirred something undeniable within her. Holding space for those words led to a powerful realization that waiting for the perfect moment was no longer an option. Instead, Lulu chose trust, instinct, and faith in her own voice. The result is a song that captures the exact moment of choosing growth over fear.
With renewed global excitement around musical theatre fueled by the Wicked films and Hamilton’s ten-year anniversary, Lulu Malaya channels that collective joy and nostalgia into a sound that feels fresh, bold, and forward-looking. Her journey to bringing “Time To Fly” to life began in Los Angeles at Tony Award winner Darren Criss’s bar, a creative haven where live pianists and show tunes spark organic collaboration. There, she connected with producer Josh Jacober and composer David Mahokey. Over the summer, the trio worked closely in Jacober’s home studio, transforming long-held lyrics into a soaring, fully realized debut. Both the song and its accompanying music video are poetic extensions of Lulu’s lifelong love for musical theatre and the community that has continually lifted her up.
Born and raised in the Philippines, now based in Los Angeles with a formative chapter in New York, Lulu Malaya has been a performer her entire life. She spent several years as a singer and occasional soloist with the Trans Chorus of Los Angeles, an experience that strengthened her voice both musically and personally. Through this work, she performed across Southern California, collaborated with Grammy Award-winning songwriter Justin Tranter, and worked alongside GLAAD, reinforcing her commitment to authenticity, representation, and advocacy.
While she has long thrived in collaborative and community-driven spaces, “Time To Fly” marks her confident emergence as a solo artist. It is the sound of someone finally stepping into her own light, ready to be seen and heard on her own terms.
The name “Malaya,” meaning “free” in Tagalog, carries deep significance. Lulu adopted it during her transition as a constant reminder to embrace her truth, trust her voice, and rise above fear or societal judgment. That sense of freedom radiates throughout “Time To Fly,” making the track both empowering and emotionally resonant.
Drawing inspiration from Beyoncé, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Nicki Minaj, Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss, and Sam Smith, Lulu Malaya blends theatrical storytelling with modern pop confidence and lyrical precision. Her sound is expansive, intentional, and refreshingly fearless.
With “Time To Fly” now out in the world, Lulu Malaya delivers a debut that lives up to its promise. It is bold, heartfelt, and liberating, marking the beginning of a journey defined by courage, artistry, and self-belief. Lulu Malaya has taken her leap, and this is only the beginning.
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