Aka Kelzz
Berlin-based singer-songwriter Aka Kelzz has always loved making music and is now combining that with sharing their experiences around dealing with mental health, liberation and new understanding of love. Aka Kelzz is on a journey of embracing their childhood dream of creating and sharing their music with the world. They want to take you on a journey of wavy beats, expressive words and tranquilizing vocals.
Growing up in the UK with a musical family, Kelzz always dreamt of creating their own art.
The journey to find their own sound, Kelzz has faced numerous difficulties and discrimination, this created issues for them to find the right spaces to fit in. Also dealing with visibly being outside of the European standard of beauty and hetronormative gender roles, this was the signifier to redefine and create their version of industry standards to work for them. As a queer non binary person, intersectionality and uplifting BIPOC communities is imperative to AKA Kelzz.
Fulfilling the desire to make music and display their authentic selves, is a motivation to create a platform to uplift the voices of dark skinned and/or queer black folks who are almost typically erased.
STATS
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STATS 〰️
“an enthralling soul/electronic infused track that is brimming with heartfelt lyrics.“ - THE WORLD IS BOND (out in time)
THE STORY SO FAR
Berlin-based singer-songwriter Aka Kelzz's musical journey has been a testament to perseverance. Overcoming setbacks and limited representation, Kelzz found solace in Berlin, reigniting their passion for music. The pandemic served as a catalyst for developing their songwriting and honing their music production skills. Collaborating with producer Rafa Mura was the key to launching their career, and Aka Kelzz has now become a prominent figure in Berlin's Soul music scene. After a successful year supporting artists like Pip Millet and Madison Mcferrin, Aka Kelzz is on a trajectory to greater success, sharing their evocative vibe with the world.
Kelzz has had an outstanding year as a solo artist, gracing the stages of festivals such as Melt and X-Jazz Berlin. Additionally, they have collaborated with Nick Hakin and Annahstasia as part of Noah Slee's vocal ensemble A Song For You.
“Hidden“ (feat. ISH)
Another great home grown production, HIDDEN explores the conversation between people sharing their vulnerabilities then coming together to understand that patient and care is required to ensure the safety of one another.
A smooth and seductive intro that truly peaks your interests HIDDEN; the sophisticated mixture of Jazz Hip Hop groove transcends the audience away with exquisite and eloquant vocals.
" Creating this track was so fun and easy with Ish and Jousha, that i hope the fluidity and vulnerability comes across to everyone listening" - Aka Kellz
The alluring combination of Aka Kelzz and Ish is truly a magical experience, this track is heavily influenced by Robert Glasper and Yebba’s track “Fuck Yo Feelings” and continues to keep you enticed and excited through to the very end..
“Free Falling“
Free Falling is the discovery and complexity of relinquishing yourself to whatever may come your way.
Whilst being brutally honest about the struggles of following your goals and dreams with “The system holding you down” The ultimate goal is living freely. The deliberately slow and sensuality of this track is reminiscent of Jill Scotts track Whatever, which gently guides you through the journey of Aka Kelzz plead and yurning for safety and happiness with resistance following strongly behind.
“Free Falling is a sound that I have always Admired because of Jill Scott but wasnt sure if I would be able to pull it off. The simplicity of this song i think really adds to feeling and even a little excitement to know what is coming next.”
A celebration of liberation, beauty, and self-acceptance,"Mango" is an empowering track that was inspired by Aka Kelzz's experience visiting Ghana for the first time during the summer of 2023, where they experienced a profound sense of liberation.
"I saw my reflection daily," they say. "This unlocked a new level of Black liberation for me, and I want to bring this sunshine and liberation back to folks all over the world." - Aka Kelzz
"This song is about embracing our own beauty and power. It's about not being afraid to be who we are and to shine our light. It feels like the softness of the sun on my skin and reminds me of how sweet life can be when we accept ourselves." - Ria Boss