From poetry to powerful performances, K.Keed’s journey in music is one of passion, persistence, and fearless self-expression. The Gugulethu-born rapper has steadily carved a lane for herself in South Africa’s hip-hop scene, blending raw lyricism with sonic experimentation.

With her latest project, Bite the Bullet, she takes a deep dive into self-confrontation, reflecting on personal growth, challenges, and triumphs.

In this exclusive Q&A, K.Keed opens up about her love for music, transformative collaborations, and the moments that solidified her connection with fans.

Can you take us back to the moment you first realized your love for music? What inspired your decision to pursue it professionally?

K.KEED: My first love for music was back in 2017. I was already familiar with writing in general because I used to be really, really obsessed with literature—reading poetry, writing poetry—especially in school. But how I blended the two, poetry and music, was through my friends.

We all had this deep passion and love for music, and it was something that bonded us. We used to spend so much time together just bumping music. A lot of the time, we’d be on YouTube, playing beats, and vibing to them. My friends really encouraged me to start writing my own music. They saw something in me before I even did, and honestly, I’ll always be grateful for that push.

It was the most natural and organic thing I’ve ever discovered in my life. It felt like this was what I was supposed to do. You know when something just clicks, and it all makes sense? That’s how it felt. I just needed a bit of encouragement from the people around me. Once I started, I couldn’t stop. When you practice something, you become more familiar with it, and then you end up becoming obsessed with it. That’s exactly what happened. Music became a part of me, and that’s how I fell in love with it.

Tell us about a collaboration that unexpectedly transformed your creative process. What’s the story behind it, and how did it shape your music?

K.KEED: An unexpected collaboration that really transformed my creative process was when I met Orish, who is currently my engineer and producer. When I started working with him, he completely changed how I approached music. He encouraged me to be more experimental, to try things differently. If something didn’t work one way, he’d push me to do it another way.

Another person who had a huge impact was Dr. Duda from MiCasa. I’d say both of them played such a monumental role in my growth as an artist. They influenced everything—from how I select beats to how I think about lyrics and the sensitivity of what I’m saying in a song. They also taught me about the technical side of music—the mixing, the mastering—all of that is so important in the creation process.

They really encouraged me to get out of my comfort zone. Their knowledge and experience in the industry helped shape the artist I am today. I can’t overstate how much they’ve influenced me. Orish is an amazing producer and engineer, and Dr. Duda is just legendary. Their input and guidance really transformed my sound into what it is today.

Walk us through the making of one of the most personal tracks on Bite the Bullet. What challenges did you face, and how did you push through to bring it to life?

K.KEED:It would have to be Healed?. That track is deeply personal to me. I wouldn’t say I faced a lot of challenges while making it, but I do remember how it came together in the studio. The producers were working on the beat, and as soon as I heard the melody, I was like, This is it. This is the intro. The lyrics started pouring into my head, and I could feel the direction of the song taking shape instantly.

I really wanted the album to feel like a journey—one that celebrates my resilience, my ability to confront my struggles and experiences head-on. Healed? was the perfect way to set the tone for that. The entire album is about self-confrontation, and this song was my way of embracing vulnerability and expressing myself fully.

The only challenge was the dynamic of the song—because I was rapping, but I also had a melodic element to it. Blending the two and making sure it sounded right was something I had to focus on. But in the end, it came together beautifully. The sonics of Healed? feel powerful, and that’s exactly what I wanted for the intro.

What’s been your most memorable live performance so far? How did that moment deepen your connection with your fanbase?

[K.KEED]: I have to say Rocking The Daisies 2023 and Cotton Fest 2024. Rocking the Daisies was always on my wish list. I’ve wanted to perform there since I started making music. I used to watch all these big artists headline the festival, and I’d dream about one day getting the chance to be on that stage. So when it finally happened, it was surreal.

Performing there made me realize just how important live performances are. You have to be intentional about how you engage with the crowd because the way you deliver your set is something fans will remember for years. You’re giving them an experience, a moment they’ll take with them forever.

And Cotton Fest? That was a whole different level of energy. The crowd was raging—it was wild. There’s no feeling like being on stage, looking out into the audience, and seeing people scream your lyrics back at you. It’s a mix of excitement and nerves because you’re just standing there thinking, Wow, these people really took the time to listen to my music and connect with it. It’s the best feeling in the world. That’s what keeps me going—those moments of pure connection with my fans.

How do you see your music reflecting or shaping South Africa’s music scene today?

[K.KEED]:I see it in the influence. Music is one of the most powerful art forms in the world. It can influence emotions, create memories, and bring people together. The way people respond to music is so deep—it’s beyond words. Even just in the BPMs and the tempo of a song, you can create different emotional experiences.

For me, it’s about being aware of that and understanding the kind of influence I have. I’m still young, and I know I’m really tapped into the youth culture in South Africa. Seeing how my music resonates with people is both a blessing and an honor.

When I first started, I never imagined my music would reach this level. Of course, every artist hopes for success, but when it actually happens, it’s humbling. That’s why I’m so intentional with my music. I know it can make someone’s day, bring back a memory, or even help someone through a tough time. That’s something I never take for granted.

What message would you give your older self about this moment as you finally release Bite the Bullet?

[K.KEED]: Wow. I’d tell myself to take it all in. You really did it. This album took two years to make. It was a long and challenging process, but you pushed through. There were moments when you felt exhausted, but you never gave up. You kept going, and now, you’re finally here.

I’d tell my older self that I’m proud of her. I’m proud that she stayed true to her vision and didn’t let anything shake her. I’d remind her that the country has her back. The city has her back. Her family has her back. She’s doing amazing, and she should never doubt herself.

This album is a gift—to myself, to my fans, and to everyone who has been waiting for it. It’s a moment I’ll never forget.

With Bite the Bullet, K.Keed delivers more than just an album—it’s a statement, a reflection, and a celebration of growth. As she continues to push boundaries and influence the next wave of South African hip-hop, one thing is clear: K.Keed is here to stay. And she’s only getting started.