Few artists are balancing two creative worlds with as much momentum as Kenjah. Already making waves through her recurring role on CBS's Beyond the Gates, the Brooklyn-born actress and singer-songwriter is simultaneously carving out an exciting musical identity rooted in her Jamaican heritage.
Her latest single 'When I'm With You' effortlessly blends reggae, Afrobeats, R&B and pop into a warm, feel-good anthem that celebrates love, resilience and staying true to yourself despite outside opinions.
So with the new single out now, we sat down with her to find out more about her origins and what has been inspiring her most over the years.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
The first instrument I fell in love with was the piano. Admittedly, my parents forced me to take lessons at first while my siblings got to play outside, but I eventually fell in love with it because it allowed me to compose my own songs.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
Anything by Whitney Houston, Motown and oldies, and jazz.
What was the first album you remember owning?
My mother bought me Whitney Houston's self-titled album on cassette tape, which originally came out in 1985. I'll never forget that.
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
"Never Give Up" by Yolanda Adams.
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
If I'm writing as a cathartic process, I sit in a dimly lit room, take a few deep breaths and ask myself, "What emotions are you really feeling right now?" Then I ask myself a series of follow-up questions until I uncover the rawest emotion. From there, I reflect on what's affecting me and why.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
Burna Boy, Hulvey, Bad Bunny, Alex Isley, and Tems.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
I'd love to open for Tems.
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
I love knowing that creating and performing music not only brings me joy and serves as an emotional release, but can do the same and even more for others.
And what is the most frustrating part?
The most frustrating part is when a project isn't executed the way I envisioned it.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
"Just have fun" is the best advice I've ever been given. It takes the pressure and expectations out of the equation and reminds you that, even while pursuing your goals, you should never let music stop being fun. Because when it stops being fun, the passion begins to fade.
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Kenjah's new single 'When I'm With You' is out now. Check it out in the player below.