Who Is?/Official Hype KAMAU (Photo: Squarespace)

Published on November 5th, 2017 | by Dr. Jerry Doby

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Who Is Kamau Kenyatte?

KAMAU (Photo: Squarespace)

KAMAU (Photo: Squarespace)

According to the official line, Kamau Kenyatte is one of the most popular and buzz-worthy emerging artists on the New York underground hip hop scene! His trap inspired sound and unforgettably kinetic and high-energy live performances have put his name on the lips of the music fans, tastemakers and party kids from Brooklyn to Harlem and from New York to Washington D.C., from Atlanta to Los Angeles and beyond!

While his versatile delivery and unique voice are heavily influenced by the energy and sound of trap music, the essence of Kamau’s music is vibrant and he is undeniably the life of the party! He also shares flashes of brutal honesty and vulnerability that prove he is no slouch as a lyricist.

Kamau’s search for self and his love of all things art and music compelled him to abandon his hometown and make the classic and clichéd move to New York City to remake himself in his own image of the dynamic, vibey and ironic artist, songwriter and performer he knew he could become. In the two short years since his move, Kamau has emerged as one of the most important voices on the underground New York music scene. The music is so lit, the performances are so wild and the look is so now that nightlife promoters, fellow artists, and indie fashion brands are seeking Kamau’s participation in their projects as the “stamp of his approval.” Some of the edgy local brands he’s modeled for include; Soltanyc, DVO Swimwear, and Fairplay.

Kamau’s young career has already seen him thrill audiences two years in a row as an official showcasing artist at the 2016 and 2017 SXSW Music Festivals. He has opened for Sevyn Streeter at the Memorial Day Festival in Washington D.C., Young MA in Miami and he has burned down the stage during local performances at some of New York City’s legendary venues including Webster Hall.  Most recently, Kamau was a featured performer at Atlanta’s legendary A3C Festival!

In an industry obsessed with the question of what and who is new, now, next, the answer is Kamau Kenyatte!

The Hype Magazine caught up with the young lion and got him to weigh in on a few things

From the outside looking in, who is Kamau Kenyatte?

From the outside looking in, I’m a humble soul that’s not to be messed with.

What brought you to the entertainment industry, music specifically?

Music is all I know; I heard my calling and music was it! It was also the need to provide a better life for my family.

What do you want people to get from your music?

A better understanding of the human condition. Something to relate to.

What did it mean to you to perform on the Squarespace Stages at the A3C music festival?

It meant a lot. When you are working so hard, it’s important to realize you are appreciated and when I performed on the Squarespace Stages at A3C, I felt that appreciation.

Why is it important to have a digital presence, like your own Squarespace website, as a hip-hop artist in 2017?

Everything is digital. It’s the new world order and you gotta ride this new age wave.

Tell us about your current project.

My latest project means a lot because captures the things that I was going through at the time I started working on it. It lets people know who I really am. It was very therapeutic for me and I’d rather make music than get into fights.

For new listeners, what song of yours would you pick as an introduction to you as an artist?

Current Situation It expresses how lonely I sometimes feel doing this.

Tell us a bit about your work and passions OUTSIDE of music…

My family. That’s all that matters.

Last but not least, HYPE wants to know…What’s your CRAZIEST “Where they do that at?!” aka WTF?! moment…

Omgah I’ve got so many WTF moments! Most recently these guys tried to jump me for wearing orange. I didn’t even know what was happening. I’m like, “What, y’all the OJ gang or Tangerine colored thugs, huh? WTF you got beef with Forever21 too?”

 

Article includes biographical information provided by artist

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About the Author

Editor-in-Chief of The Hype Magazine, Media and SEO Consultant, Journalist, Ph.D. and retired combat vet. 2023 recipient of The President's Lifetime Achievement Award. Partner at THM Media Group. Member of the U.S. Department of Arts and Culture, the United States Press Agency and ForbesBLK.


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