K.Keed

Mihlali Koyana, professionally known as K.Keed, was raised in the Gugulethu township in Cape Town. She began her career in 2019 with the release of her first single, 'Similes,' and she has since released ALTER-EGO, an 8 track EP earlier this year that features Blxckie, Dee Koala, and Indigo Stella, amongst others. K.Keed: So my musical career began during the summer of 2018. Initially, I wrote poetry and songs as a pastime. I also had two music-loving friends in Gugulethu, so that influenced me to fall in love with music. I didn't have to force myself because writing and rapping come naturally to me. That is the most reliable confirmation you can get. The young rapper has truly established herself in the hip-hop game. Given her career trajectory, there is only one way for her to go: to the top. On A Recent Interview With K.Keed Reveals The Following. Q: had a chat with K.Keed to discuss her music journey and what inspires her. How Did You Come Up With Your Stage Name? K.Keed: It’s not that deep hey. I didn’t want to use my real name because it’s very common. I took the first initial of my surname and my second and called it a day. Instead of using the correct spelling of KID, I changed it to KEED just to spice it up a little. Q: How Did You Become A Part Of The 'Young & Dope' Campaign In Collaboration With Redbat? K.Keed: The ‘Young & Dope“ campaign with Redbat came as a surprise because I had previously worked with the brand on a different campaign. We shot some of the scenes at my house which made the whole experience extra special to me. I shared the spotlight with other three artists - the entire process was just organic. It’s the best collaboration ever as I now have my merch at Sportscene stores nationwide and it has helped getting my music out there as as well. Q: Who Is Your Favorite Local Female Rapper? And Why? K.Keed: At the moment is Indigo Stella because she’s genuinely an amazing artist. I have a musical connection with her and we have a tight bond. I had the privilege of meeting her a multiple times, and each time is special. Only a few artist like her who are versatile yet remain authentic to their music. Q: What Do You Think Makes Your Music Resonate With Your Fans? K.Keed: Firstly, I’m being 100% myself. Secondly, I create the kind of music that will make people think and start a conversation and always add that K.Keed flavour. There’s one thing you can’t fake as an artist, connection - that’s what makes people buy tickets to your show and stream your music. Lastly, I dont mess with quality. There’s no room for compromise when I create music. K.Keed is an artist you shouldn’t be sleeping on right now K.Keed list of collaborations is impressive, and she has worked with Dee Koala on her smash hit single Spazz, among other features. Her career highlights thus far include being invited to perform at The Boiler Room: Contemporary Scenes x Wear Broke and being selected as one of the artists for Redbat's 'Young & Dope' campaign. The Interviewer Had A Chat With K.Keed To Discuss Her Music Journey And What Inspires Her. Q: Let's Start At The Beginning. How Did You Break Into The Music Business? K.Keed: So my musical career began during the summer of 2018. Initially, I wrote poetry and songs as a pastime. I also had two music-loving friends in Gugulethu, so that influenced me to fall in love with music. I didn't have to force myself because writing and rapping come naturally to me. That is the most reliable confirmation you can get. I'm thankful to have discovered my talent at such a young age. I know it can take years for some people to find what makes them feel alive. Q: What Challenges Do You Face As A Female Rapper In The Industry? K.Keed: The biggest challenge as female rapper was finding my voice. Firstly I’m not a very a feminine rapper - my rap style is more aggressive, grimy, cutting-edge, unorthodox and blunt. That already separate me from the rest of other female rappers I know. I’m fortunate to have an audience that resonate with my music. At the end of the day it’s all about that connection. Hip hop is a male-dominated genre so I don’t expect special treatment but be afforded the same opportunities as male rappers. However, I don’t mind being underestimated - there are privileges in being the underdog.