Malika Ayane (Milan, 24 January 1984) is an Italian pop singer with Moroccan ancestry. Her musical training began at the Giuseppe Verdi Conservatory of Milan, where from 1995 to 2001 she studied cello. While attending she sang in the Coro di Voci Bianche (Chorus of White Voices). In this youth ensemble of the famous La Scala Theatre, Malika was often called upon to perform soloist selections for the group. Several years later an encounter with noted Sugar music producer Caterina Caselli led to the creation of her first album.