Interview with experimental R&B singer K.ZIA

Image Credit: Bodi Samba

Born to a Martinican father and a Belgo-Congolese mother, Belgian born musician K.ZIA has been surrounded and raised around an array of cultures. The songstress combines influences of soul, R&B, afrobeat and experimental aspects into her sound. Her latest video ‘Sanctuary’ perfectly displays this culmination of influences in mind. The resulting sound is flawless as she embraces her unique sound and vision.

We chatted with the intriguing songstress K.ZIA below.

Looking back, what was your earliest entry into music appreciation? And music production?

Being born in an artistic family, music has always been around me, and a big part of my life and identity. But the actual music appreciation started around 8 or 9 when I got a walkman. I had two albums ON REPEAT: The Diary of Alicia Keys, and Missundaztood by Pink haha :).

How would you describe your sound?

My sound is a translation of me. A patchwork of influences. An expression of feelings and moments. There’s quite some variety in my sound because it really is a cocktail of cultures, languages and input I’ve had from all over. I guess the base to my cocktail is R&B but after that, the added ingredients are endless, I’m just getting started 🙂

Do you have a motto or mantra that you live by?

LOVE IS MY ALLY,

GENTLENESS IS MY TOOL,

MY EMPATHY IS MY SHIELD,

EMOTIONS ARE MY FUEL,

DREAMS ARE MY MISSION ,

THEY SPARK UP MY ENERGY,

WITH ART AS AMMUNITION,

AND STRENGTH – MY COMMUNITY.

I want to always recenter myself around those values. It’s a work in progress.

Outside of music, what inspires you?

Travelling. I love to do it. It really is a huge energy recharge for me. Especially when I go to the motherland. Every single time it’s been a life-changing experience. Every single time.

Plus people and growth. I love learning new things about how humans function. About emotions, feelings and the evolution of a human mind. Having conversations about life, opinions, social norms, learning to deconstruct them, learning to flip things and look at them from a different angle. Maturing, becoming wiser and learning about other people’s experiences in life. Very inspiring for me as a human and an artist.

Is there a particular historical moment in the music industry, that inspires you today as an artist?

Well, this new era where artists are taking back what’s theirs. I am seeing a lot of artists do their thing and not wait for labels or what not to work and feel like they are worthy. This has inspired me to be an artist despite the difficulties it brings and stay authentic to myself also known as Independent.

Tell us one interesting fact about yourself that no-one would expect.

I don’t really like chocolate, despite being Belgian haha :).

Five words to leave with your fans?

Stay true and love always.

Follow K.ZIA:

Website / Facebook / Instagram