KENZ is a 20-year-old West London based artist with Nigerian Heritage. He spoke to us about his journey to finding music, inspirations and experiences, reminding us that first and foremost, music is a labour of love.
Creative Direction/Editing: Bautista Botto Barilli
Photography/Interview: Arhantika Rebello
“I would describe my music as smooth and something you should be able to connect with emotionally.”
Talk to us a bit about your music!
Currently, the music put out is predominantly Afroswing however I know deep down what I am capable of and how I can do my thing other genres. But I would describe my music as smooth and something you should be able to connect with emotionally.
How did your journey with music begin?
I used to get in trouble in school a lot and my school tried so many ways to help. They brought in an ex-student who got me into poetry and I used it to express how I felt. As time went on, I started putting rap instrumentals and trying to rap what I wrote. In terms of where I am today, I got that passion through poetry and rap, but as I’m Nigerian, afrobeats was always in me through my upbringing. So the first time I went to the studio to try make an afro-type song, it just felt natural and we only went up from there.
What are your biggest influences and inspirations when it comes to creating music?
I grew up listening to a lot of grime which you might think is weird considering the sound I put out but I looked up to Chip because of his lyrical ability and Wizkid because to me, he is just on a different level when we are talking about afrobeats. I strongly feel like my creative direction comes from there.
How does your Nigerian heritage play a part in your sound and overall life?
I’m a proud Nigerian and recently, I’ve been trying to show that a bit more through my music by incorporating a little bit of my home language which is Igbo. Currently speaking, Nigeria is not really in the greatest place politically, but knowing how strong and unified we are is why I continue to embrace my culture and the country itself.
You just released a new single. Tell us a bit about that tune.
“Solo” is a song that’s about me wanting to know if a girl is the right one and if she is, then I can provide anything she needs. The song is basically talking about what I am capable to do by myself and what I can bring to the table and if she’s going to bring something to the table to. Once I heard the instrumental, I instantly knew what vibe I was going for so shout out to Nathan on the beat. He done his thing.
“I hope to see longevity with my music. I hope to see my music being used as a coping mechanism. It may sound cliche but I do genuinely hope to inspire people to just pursue whatever they aspire to.”
Where do you hope to see yourself end up with your music?
I hope to see longevity with my music. I hope to see my music being used as a coping mechanism. It may sound cliche but I do genuinely hope to inspire people to just pursue whatever you aspire. Hopefully one day we can be talking afrobeats or UK afroswing and my name gets the respect it should
What part do you feel music has to play in the world today?
To me music is important because I think it is about culture, upbringing and uplifting. There is so many different sounds nowadays and I feel like because music is subjective, that is why I love it. No matter what, there is an audience for it. If you also think about the younger generation, you are seeing more kids get into music rather than putting their energy into things they probably shouldn’t be doing so as a whole the impact is mad.
What advice do you have for other young up and coming artists?
Stay authentic and stay real. It is sad to say but many people know the music industry can be quite frustrating, as is full of very business and money orientated people, which to be honest it is understandable but if you just focus on making music and always remind yourself of the reason why you started in the first place then it will keep you going. Don’t look at someone and compare yourself in terms of success. You might think your music is better than someone who you’ve seen sign to a label or get a deal or whatever, but just worry about yourself and your music quality. It is a marathon not a race. Your time will come and when it does cherish it.
“It is a marathon not a race. Your time will come and when it does cherish it.”