Konyikeh has got the kind of voice that moves you. The London-born, Essex-raised artist is an astonishing singer, writer, and multi-instrumentalist. The result? Songs that stir something deep within and hold you.

Image Credit: @radhika.photos

“The music I currently have out now, I think would fit into the genres of Soul and (at a push) R&B. I love working with and dealing with instruments in terms of writing and production – having grown up playing orchestras and singing in choirs, I definitely incorporate those elements into my music.”

How did your journey with music begin? 

I grew up playing classical violin for many years and that's what I was really known for.  I can't quite remember exactly how but people found out I could sing -  and so I took part in a lot of choirs growing up. From the National Youth choir to Chamber choirs etc. I've always had an eclectic taste in music ranging from a bunch of different genres, and it was only really around lockdown I started to really write songs for myself.

You just released a new single, Mercenary!

What do you hope people feel when they listen to it?

Do you remember a specific moment or experience that made you realise ‘yes, this is what I want to do with my life’?

I think coming off the back of my sold-out second headline show a few weeks ago -  it solidified to me that this is what I want to do for the rest of my life and I need to make this work.  In my personal life I was and am going through it all and I found it quite therapeutic to go to the process of rehearsals, creating the set-list, talking to my guitar and MD, making sure that the experience is as amazing as possible for the audience. To me, there's no comparable feeling than performing your songs live.

What are your biggest influences and inspirations when it comes to creating music?

I have quite an eclectic taste in music so I definitely draw on a lot of influences, subconsciously and consciously. I can't exactly pinpoint one exact reference. For example, I could be listening to a Requiem by Mozart and love the choral melodies. I would take elements of that and then combine them with a log drum of a gqom track I had been listening to. I think the unifying factor throughout all my music is that I want it to feel warm and take the listener on a journey. 

Out of all the music you’ve released so far, what are you most proud of? Why?

I think the music I released towards the end of 2025 (“Vulnerability”)  and the rest of the music I have coming this year. I allowed myself for the first time to be really free in the studio and I knew exactly what I wanted in terms of the music I was producing. I was particularly involved in the production process throughout and I learnt a lot as well, which I think is a really amazing experience to have. The music I have coming out definitely reflects me as a lover of music, musician and artist in its entirety - and I kind of love that. 

What part do you feel music has to play in the world today?

I think music is such a powerful medium in terms of influence - whether  it be through politics, art and conversation. It can be used as a way to subvert censorship. It can create a conversation about the state of the world. It can capture a universal feeling that can't be expressed through words - especially as a young person going through a lot of heightened emotions that you don't quite know how to describe. Music is that medium - at least for me - where I've always felt understood.

I very much believe in the concept of the author's death, so I don't necessarily want to tell people what to feel. I really hope they feel something though! I was listening to a lot of music that made me feel driven, angry, annoyed and the drums and vocal delivery were amazing in them. From Cardi B's ‘’Get up 10’’  to Gustavo Dudamel’s “¿Quien puede detener la lluvia?’’ - both songs give me the feeling of drive and conviction that I hope Mercenary captures. 

What advice do you have for other young up and coming artists?

The last couple years have seen Konyikeh releasing her impressive first two EPs, Litany and Problem With Authority, both tender but transcendent. The music saw her garnering attention and support from outlets such as The Guardian, The FADER, NYLON, British Vogue, Wonderland, Clash, Line of Best Fit and BBC Radio. There have been poignant performances on esteemed online platform, COLORS, as well as in support slots for the likes of Sam Smith, Tems and Jalen N’Gonda.