We recently had the opportunity to interview Keznamdi.
Originally from Jamaica, Keznamdi was born and raised into music. With his travels around the world – Tanzania, Ethiopia, etc – his music includes a wide array of musical genres and global influences.
The bottom line is that this music is great. It speaks to listeners from so many angles it makes it really hard to not like his vibe.
The new album will be available April 30th.
Let’s break the ice by letting everyone know who you are, where you are from, and what style of music you create.
I like to say I come from the third rock from the sun but to let people overstand a little better I say I was born and raised in Jamaica. The music I do is really limitless, I don’t like putting a name to it because I explore so many different genres.
What is the meaning/significance behind the name Keznamdi? Is this your real name or a stage name?
Ye man, Keznamdi is my birth name, its really two names joined up as one. Kez come from Ethiopia and it means prince and namdi comes from Nigeria and it means the sun who saved is fathers name. Being the only son of 4 daughters, I’m carrying on my fathers name and legacy.
You were born into music… How was it growing up with parents who were the lead vocals in Chakula?
It was actually normal and natural. Never thought much about waking up to my Father playing the guitar or hearing the left over noise coming from the studio. It was not until, I was older and moved out of the house that I realized not every family was like this and how unique and special my upbringing was.
From your perspective, how does the music industry in Jamaica compare or contrast with other areas of the world? What is your biggest challenge promoting your music internationally?
Well when it comes to Jamaica, its all about what your saying and how creative you saying however when it comes to other parts of the world its more about the feel and vibe of the music. To be honest I never really had an obstacle with promoting music because I fuse so much genres in my music. I able to bridge that gap because so many different cultures and nations can relate to it.
How have your experiences living in Tanzania and Ethiopia affected/influenced your songwriting and creation process?
Definitely living in all these places played a very important role in my music and even just me as an individual. It open my mind to so many different avenues that I never knew even existing; different types of music, people, cultures, nations and even food. So ii give thanks for that exposure.
What led you to attend St. Mary’s in California?
Well it was really football, I got a football scholarship to play but in my first game I tore my 3 main ligaments so I couldn’t play on a professional level again. But my journey to st marys was greater than football, it was to link up with this special team that I have now, which again I give thanks for. Football and St marys was only my transportation to link up with my driven team – Temesgen, Ryan, Luis, Salvatore and Precki…
What other artists, songwriters, or producers have you or do you work with? Are there any features on the upcoming release?
Well most of the artists that I really worked with are family which im lucky to have. Like my two older sisters Kelissa and Kamila McDonald and also my borther in law Jason Calico Borland. On the EP Bridging the Gap I worked with some great producers like EOT and Zincfence, we also have some features with Calico, Kabaka Pyramid and Chronixx. So we have a nice basket of fruits.
What should we expect on Bridging the Gap? What else is in store for Keznamdi in 2013?
You can expect limitlessness from Keznamdi. We have a lot of stuff in store 2013, suh jus stay tuned.
How is the Internet and social media helping (or hurting) your efforts to market and promote this new album? Are there any challenges you have had to overcome?
Honestly without this social media, I wouldn’t be no where because your exposed to the world once you post one thing. Social media is our biggest asset right now.
Where can we connect with you online? When does the album drop? And where can we find it when it does?
Well on April 30th you can find the EP at all digital outlets like the itunes, the ebay, the amazon. Just type in the name Keznamdi.
Any last thoughts? Shout outs?
Love and respect to all the people believed in me and the music from the get go and give thanks for a clean and pure team – Luis, Temesgen, Ryan, Precki and Salvatore, big up yu self.
Connect with Keznamdi on Facebook or Twitter. You can also visit his website.
