K.ZIA talks music and embracing your uniqueness.
Please could you introduce yourself?
My name is K.ZIA. I'm a Brussels-born, world-raised Berlin-based singer, songwriter, and creative director. I do mainly R&B, but my sound varies from pop to soul to afro and much more. I'm an independent, up-and-coming artist who is looking forward to growing with my community around common core values of love always, togetherness, good energy, truth, and growth.
Let's start from the beginning. What drew you to music, and what are some of your influences? What is your creative process like?
I've been immersed in music my whole life as both of my parents are artists. My mother is a singer herself, and my father always has had music around. Thanks to that, I wasn't ever drawn to music. It has always been a part of me ever since I can remember. My mother is also my number one influence. I admire her as a creative, and she is a strong independent woman who knows what she does and what her vocation is. Other than that, I've been influenced by many different artists like Erykah Badu, Michael Jackson, Lauryn Hill, Grace Jones, Beyonce, and so many more.
My creative process varies according to my mood, the circumstances, the objective, the company, the environment. There is no go-to rule. I need to feel it, and if I don't feel it, it's not happening, lol.
What served as the inspiration for your new single JFMB?
I can't say I was necessarily inspired by something for this particular song if it isn't my will to express my message. We were in the studio with some artist friends BGRZ, who produced the track, and Muntu, an artist/songwriter, and that was actually the vibe that day!
Your single JFMB is about owning your differences and uniqueness. Any tips you could give on embracing your uniqueness?
Yes, a message that comes back often in my music is love always, which means love at all times, in all directions. Meaning towards others but also towards yourself. Coming from a youth where self-love was tough for me, this topic remains close to my heart today. I used to spend so much time trying to be like others, envying, and not seeing the beautiful gifts I was blessed with. Growing out of that is the best thing that has ever happened to me. The tips I could give are understanding that you will be way better at being you than trying to be anybody else. So focus on discovering your spirit. What you like, what you don't like, the energies that match yours, your life purpose, your life intention, and once you become best friends with yourself, build yourself up to achieve the things you want for yourself to your own standards and needs and not anyone else's.
What elements from your culture can we hear in your current sound?
I can't say I have "a culture" I feel like I'm a melting pot of a bunch of influences from around the world, and I guess that's what can be the foundation of my music. I travel from one space to another, one type of story to another, one mood to a whole different vibe. Not because I'm inconsistent, but because that's actually what goes on in my brain haha.
Your projects always tell a profound and beautiful story — how do you think about storytelling in your work?
Thank you. I guess my music's purpose is to bring a message through, and I've found the best way to do this. Whether it is with lyrics, melodies, or visuals, it's all about the emotions. I feel, and I try to translate that into my storytelling.
Lastly, what accomplishments do you see yourself achieving in the next five to 10 years?
I definitely see myself achieving the accomplishments of building an empire. Building a community of people with whom I connect, grow, and share, and spread love with. Building a family and also becoming a better version of myself.
Listen here to her new single.
Photography/Styling Bodi Samba
Makeup Marilia Rohr
Assistant Whitney Kiala