The remarkable South African R&B sensation, lordkez, whose presence in the international music scene is about to reach new heights with the upcoming release of her debut album, “Testament.” lordkez has earned a well-deserved reputation for her distinctive sound, soulful vocals, and evocative storytelling, captivating audiences around the globe. Her journey to stardom has been punctuated by outstanding achievements, including a prominent appearance on a billboard in New York Times Square and impressive streaming numbers on previous releases such as the “Rain” single, Charcotta EP, and Midsummer EP.

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Backed by a comprehensive year-long promotional campaign by her label STAY LOW throughout 2023, lordkez’s unique musical talent continues to resonate with fans worldwide. With “Testament,” lordkez is set to make her mark on the international stage and solidify her position as a rising star in the music industry.

Now, let’s delve deeper into the world of lordkez in an exclusive interview with this rising South African R&B sensation.

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How has your South African background influenced your sound and storytelling as an R&B artist?

[LORDKEZ]: My music is influenced by a range of different inspirations that I have found on my journey, including international artists that I grew up listening to, the neighborhood I grew up in, the countries I have lived in, etc. The South African background has influenced me in certain elements of my taste and has shaped my ability to relate to different cultures.

“Testament” is your highly anticipated debut album. What message or story do you hope to convey to listeners through this body of work?

[LORDKEZ]: Testament is my story, I really wanted my listeners to get to know me a bit deeper and feel a sense of comfort through my art. It speaks on love, loss, heartbreak, and personal development that has shaped me into the strong woman I am today. I’d like the listeners to go on a sonic journey with me.

Your single “Holy Matrimony” offers an intimate glimpse into the experience of enduring love. Can you tell us more about the inspiration behind the song and how it reflects your personal journey?

[LORDKEZ]: I was moved to encapsulate the love I have in my life right now, a love that I never saw coming, it feels magical. I reminisced on our vacation in Cape Town last year, where we found ourselves at the beach, in the sun, it all felt like a dream, so I wanted to dedicate a song to that feeling and to those moments.

In “Flowers,” you explore the themes of acceptance and rejection. How do these themes resonate with your own experiences as an artist, and what do you hope listeners take away from the song?

[LORDKEZ]: Flowers is about falling out of love and noticing the little things that lead up to that. I really wanted to make a heartbreak ballad. I think heartbreak is something everyone can relate to. Sometimes, I write songs and personify feelings, in this instance, I mixed personal experience and the personification of the idea of being validated. I hope this song makes everyone that listens to it and relates to it, feel like they are not alone.

 5. Your collaboration with Bas on “Enthralled” captures the energy between two people in love who are brave enough to express it. What made this collaboration special for you, and how did it contribute to the overall narrative of the album?

[LORDKEZ]: I think that when writing an album you need to add perspective and develop ideas of duality in the content you write about, so, I think this song adds to the idea that we can take risks and fall in love, we can appreciate each other and find confidence in being brave and allowing love in. It adds a voice that creates a full story about the topic of love and heartbreak in my album.

As an artist, how important is it for you to use your music to paint pictures and tell stories? What impact do you hope your storytelling has on your listeners?

[LORDKEZ]: Because I am a visual artist as well, imagery is very important to me,  I try to create a world within every song I make, hoping that the feeling it brings across stays with the listener long after the song has ended.

With a comprehensive year-long promotional campaign from STAY LOW, how do you navigate the balance between artistic expression and commercial success? 

[LORDKEZ]: I put my music above everything else, I always stay true to myself. My idea of success is happiness and inner peace. On the commercial side of things, I have an attitude of gratitude and I believe that this manifests positively in the results I have experienced.

In an industry saturated with the influence of Amapiano, what do you believe sets you apart (not only as an R&B artists) and makes your music unique?

[LORDKEZ]: I think my music comes from my perspective, which is naturally unique. However, I think my music is art-centric and stems from a place of intention of expression, and I think when you make music from that place it creates the space for uniqueness to thrive.

Looking back at your extraordinary achievements, such as appearing on a billboard in Times Square, what has been the most surreal moment of your career so far, and how did it impact your artistic journey?

[LORDKEZ]: Performing on stage at Rocking The Daises is definitely one of my best music moments, it’s amazing that I get to do what I love. I’ve been taking my live performances way more seriously since then, and I’m focusing on elevating the live music experience. Another surreal moment was being in studio with artists I respect and admire, I have been fortunate to be in studio with a number of international artists and producers and it is truly humbling.

With “Testament” poised to propel you into the international spotlight, how do you envision your future as an artist and the impact you want to make on the music industry?

[LORDKEZ]: My dream is to travel the world with my music, and have it reach new lands and new ears, in the future I know I’ll be doing just that. I want to be remembered for my dedication to expressing myself through my music and art. I want to be a light in a dark world and show people that it can be done, in the way that is true to you.

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Featured Image Source(s): Supplied