Kiña in Kenya!!!!
Bless the motherland!
Memphis' Own Yella P of Memphissippi Sounds
Keenya (formerly known as Kiña del Mar) makes dope music. On her latest project, LYRICISM IS ALIVE AND WELL, she flows seamlessly between singing and rapping, fusing her soulful vocals with hip-hop, R&B, and pop. As the title suggests, lyricism is a focal point for this project, and the artist delivers her finely-crafted lyrics with a voice that is assertive, witty, and unapologetically unique.
Both modern and timeless, the music of Keenya combines the musical traditions of her hometown, Memphis, TN, with a host of other artistic influences. Her sound has been compared to that of Prince, Sade, Michael Jackson, and Lauryn Hill. Indeed, elements of each of these legendary artists are present in the music of Keenya, but she never seeks to imitate. The end result is an ambitious array of music that establishes Keenya as a refreshing addition to the musical landscape.
PAST PERFORMANCES
Harlem Week Music Festival (NYC)
Delta Fair & Music Festival
Dreamfest Music Festival
Memphis Songwriter Series with Mark Edgar Stuart @ The Halloran Centre
A Ferry Tale: A Nak Jently Musical by Jenita Nakumura
Artistik Lounge
Art Unplugged
Soulsville Music Festival
Dope On Arrival
'History Around Memphis' Poetry Slam (H.A.M. Slam) @ The Orpheum Theatre
Occupy the Shell Music Festival @ The Levitt Shell
AWARDS & DISTINCTIONS
Memphis Songwriters Association Songwriter of the Year
Finalist - Tennessee Songwriter Competition
The Consortium MMT Emerging Star
Graduate of the Orpheum Theatre Teaching Artist Training Program
Vanderbilt University School of Music Songwriting Program