"I think that diversity is what I try to bring to my music..."
KVKA is a Zambian born, New Zealand based rapper who found internet fame back in 2014 with a hip hop/trap track that went viral. It's currently sitting at 1.7 MILLION views on YouTube.
But KVKA is much more than that as he explores new and different styles and is even planning a move to Melbourne, Australia.
You’re currently based in Hamilton New Zealand but you have African heritage, tell us about your background and the man behind the music.
I was born in Zambia to a Major in the army and a Nurse, I’m the baby of the family and have two older siblings a brother and a sister. I moved around a lot twice in Zambia, then to England, Wales and finally settling down in New Zealand.
I think that diversity is what I try to bring to my music, I was raised with Zambian gospel and traditional music, British punk rock, RnB , Grime, Rock, Metal and Hip Hop. And I want to give my listeners that journey.
Also I believe you’re about to make the move to Australia, Melbourne specifically. What’s the drive behind the move?
The same reason everyone goes to a bigger city, the pursuit of happiness.
I love New Zealand but I haven’t been happy here in a long time, I think because of the success of 'Who You' to such a small place, I seemed a lot more successful than I was and in turn got a lot more hate and backlash for my actions growing up, but bigger than that, I want to make my people proud.
In 2014, 5 years ago now, you had a breakout hit with Who You, which currently has 1.7m views on YouTube. What do you think is it about that song that connects with such a wide audience?
I’m still not sure, 90% talent 10% luck?
But KVKA is much more than that as he explores new and different styles and is even planning a move to Melbourne, Australia.
You’re currently based in Hamilton New Zealand but you have African heritage, tell us about your background and the man behind the music.
I was born in Zambia to a Major in the army and a Nurse, I’m the baby of the family and have two older siblings a brother and a sister. I moved around a lot twice in Zambia, then to England, Wales and finally settling down in New Zealand.
I think that diversity is what I try to bring to my music, I was raised with Zambian gospel and traditional music, British punk rock, RnB , Grime, Rock, Metal and Hip Hop. And I want to give my listeners that journey.
Also I believe you’re about to make the move to Australia, Melbourne specifically. What’s the drive behind the move?
The same reason everyone goes to a bigger city, the pursuit of happiness.
I love New Zealand but I haven’t been happy here in a long time, I think because of the success of 'Who You' to such a small place, I seemed a lot more successful than I was and in turn got a lot more hate and backlash for my actions growing up, but bigger than that, I want to make my people proud.
In 2014, 5 years ago now, you had a breakout hit with Who You, which currently has 1.7m views on YouTube. What do you think is it about that song that connects with such a wide audience?
I’m still not sure, 90% talent 10% luck?
You’ve described your music as aggressive, passionate and honest, what inspires you and your music?
Human feeling, when I make a song I try to make everything about that song emote a feeling, whether it be my sombre singing on I know you better to show my pain or the grungy performance in invincible that shows aggression, I'm inspired by anything that can make me feel something real.
Your recently release, I Know You Better, has a different feel, is more introspective and is sonically different, is this the direction your new music will be heading in? Or are you still partial to some gully ish?
This is just one side of me but not the whole picture. I look at myself in different alter egos:
KVKA – Is grungy, aggressive.
CUPID – is more emotionally transparent some might say has more of a melancholy feel.
Wavey Mcgradey – is my Trap Boy and is the only ego with a full tape that you can listen to on Spotify for now here.
Other than the move, what do you have planned for 2019?
Finish this Cupid album and Wavey 2 mixtape, releasing more music videos and clothing, maybe a tour!
Just gonna have to keep your eyes on @angryboykv.
Thank you for your time.
Human feeling, when I make a song I try to make everything about that song emote a feeling, whether it be my sombre singing on I know you better to show my pain or the grungy performance in invincible that shows aggression, I'm inspired by anything that can make me feel something real.
Your recently release, I Know You Better, has a different feel, is more introspective and is sonically different, is this the direction your new music will be heading in? Or are you still partial to some gully ish?
This is just one side of me but not the whole picture. I look at myself in different alter egos:
KVKA – Is grungy, aggressive.
CUPID – is more emotionally transparent some might say has more of a melancholy feel.
Wavey Mcgradey – is my Trap Boy and is the only ego with a full tape that you can listen to on Spotify for now here.
Other than the move, what do you have planned for 2019?
Finish this Cupid album and Wavey 2 mixtape, releasing more music videos and clothing, maybe a tour!
Just gonna have to keep your eyes on @angryboykv.
Thank you for your time.