Multi-instrumentalist roots artist Dale Mallett is probably more of a Simba than a Mufassa.

The Sunshine Coast native is always smiling from behind his guitar and djembe.

With his “lion’s mane” hair and sweet and infectious nature, he serves up feel-good, dub-reggae harmonies.

“(The name) was given to me from the boys in The Floating Bridges. It was a band I played in for 10 years,” Dale says.

“I had dreadlocks down to my waist, and I was also booking shows and managing the band.

“They dubbed me Mufassa: the leader of the pack. I’ve been known as that ever since so I decided to roll with it for the new project.

“Mufassa is fearless in the pursuit of what sets his soul on fire.”

This feline chief can play the guitar, bass guitar, harmonica, stomp box, djembe and percussion.

Mufassa and his pride attract joy-seeking punters

He uses Mufassa and the Pride when performing on the big stage with his band.

The band played at this year’s Caloundra Music Festival.

They capture waves of joy-seeking punters, swaying and dancing to their lyrics.

It’s music which denotes personal sacrifice, social injustice, and the yearning for peace, respect and equality.

The 38-year-old, works as a youth worker and relief teacher. And he recently released the second single from his latest EP, both titled, “Drifting Away”.

Recorded at Yama-Nui, the EP features four new songs, with the remaining to be released by February.

When Dale’s not creating music, he works each year in the remote Indigenous community of Doomadgee, in northwest Queensland. He facilitates music workshops, events, recordings, and jams.

The father-of-two teaches kids how to use music as a “vessel”. Such as how it has helped him to leave the nine-to-five grind.

“It’s a means to be creative, explore life, travel and spend time with my family.

“I mean, could you imagine flipping the work week on its head, working two days and having five off? Imagine what you could do with your time. Imagine the connection you could build with those who matter most.

“When you do what you love, it’s amazing the opportunities that present themselves.”

Teaching kids about the real joys of music

He teaches them that being a musician isn’t always about being famous and touring.

“Whatever successful means to them, whatever path they are interested in, music can either be at the forefront of that or something to help them achieve that.

“You don’t have to be the biggest act going around. You can make a living out of music and make it work for you.

“The other beautiful thing about up here is I do have a lot of time by myself, which is great for songwriting and inspiration.

“I work as a relief teacher when I need to pull back from gigs. And I do it so I can write, record, or simply take a break from the constant grind of live gigging.

“I get to be with my family. It’s a way of life.”

Musicians need to diversify to survive financially and creatively

Dale says more people should consider diversifying their incomes.

“Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Instead, have multiple ways you can make a living so you don’t run the risk of burn out, boredom or becoming broke.”

But it’s making music for his family – wife Peta, one-year-old daughter, Tallulah, and four-year-old son, Teskey – which Dale loves most.

“Ultimately if my kids enjoy the music then that’s all that matters to me.

“I’m writing this for my family, it’s something that will always be there.

“My son’s favourite song is the first song I put out.

“He just froths on it. I do it for them.”

The community champion with his big heart and hair to match, will take his new tunes across Australia next year.

Music in the community needs to be recognised

And while he loves the Coast for its “endless beaches, pandanus trees, waterfalls, friends and family”, he wishes people were more open-minded about the importance of music in the community.

“There needs to be some balance between the few nay-sayers (who complain about music being too loud) and what the rest of the community actually wants and needs. One complaint seems to be more heavy-weighted.

“To quote The Cat Empire, ‘music is the language of us all’. 

“It breeds culture and connection and community, something that we’ve lost along the way.”

For more information on Mufassa Music and tour dates head to https://www.mufassamusic.com.