Up and coming Rap artist Kenilworth Kendra gave us some of her time to speak about her music, her career, and new single, ‘FashionablyLate’.
What inspired you to pursue a career in rap music?
I never had a say so with my path in music. My dad was a drummer/singer and my mom is a poet/writer, so it was already in me the day I was born. The earliest years I remember doing music was at 10 years old but my mom says I have been singing since a baby.
How would you describe your music style to someone who hasn’t heard it before?
I still can’t give an exact description of my music because I’m all over the place with it. I write and create off of how I feel. I rap and I sing but I’m a songwriter too which means I have songs for every genre of music there is, from Jazz to Rock to Gospel to Pop, etc…and I can write to anything and for anyone. I even started creating Film scores for movies. It’s hard to put a label on me.
What has been the most rewarding moment of your music career so far?
The most rewarding part of my music career is seeing the impact that I am making on people of all ages around the world. That is my ultimate goal.
Can you share the creative process for ‘FashionablyLate’? How did the song come together from concept to final track?
Negative Kitty had a contest that I saw on Instagram a while back that I entered. I was contacted later by Seby and was told I was the winner, which I was blessed and thankful about. From there they picked the song ‘FashionablyLate’ from my album ‘The Archives Volume 1’ to do a video for (which was the prize) and they started the process. I saw the whole animation process from start to finish and it was amazing. Everything from the video treatment to the concept, Negative Kitty put together. The video is a direct reflection of me and they did a great job in capturing that in the visual, it has become my favourite video out of all my videos.Â
What do you hope listeners take away from ‘FashionablyLate’ after hearing it for the first time?
After hearing ‘FashionablyLate’ for the first time I hope the “BOOM” stays in your head. I hope listeners play it when they are getting ready to go out somewhere and look their best. After watching the video, I want people to see that there will be many obstacles in life that will try to prevent you from getting to your destination but no matter what NEVER GIVE UP. Keep going and eventually, you’ll get there when you show up make sure you look good
What was the collaboration process like with Negative Kitty for the animated music video?
The collaboration process was exciting and educational at the same time. I was involved and saw the process every step of the way. The best thing about working with Negative Kitty was that they already had done their research on me and had a vision for the video for me. I didn’t have to do anything. Everything you see came from them.
Can you describe your reaction when you found out you won the contest?
When I won the contest I was really happy. I knew my video was gonna be dope because I had seen their work and who they’ve worked with. What I didn’t know was how big of a hit the video was gonna turn out to be.
Were there any particular scenes or elements in the video that you found especially impactful or meaningful?
The whole video was impactful to me. Just the whole message in itself, to Never Give Up. They conveyed to the world how I feel without me even having to tell them and that’s dope. My sole mission is to encourage all artists/creators to Never Give Up. Dreams still come true.
How do you feel the animated video enhances or complements the song itself?
Initially I never even thought of a video for ‘FashionablyLate’ but now I couldn’t picture it any other way. Animation compliments the song perfectly.Â
What advice would you give to aspiring artists looking to create impactful music and visuals?
My advice to any up and coming creator/artist/entertainer is to put GOD first in all you do, work hard going after your dreams and Never Give Up, because dreams still come true and anytime you feel any differently, watch ‘FASHIONABLYLATE’!Â
Watch the fun music video for ‘FashionablyLate’ below, and find out more about Kenilworth Katrina and her music online on her official website, YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.
