Kenzie from Welly

Kenzie From Welly is the product of life challenges, self-belief, and 90’s hip hop.

Like her name proudly states, Kenzie was born in Wellington, Aotearoa, to Māori and Samoan parents, who, along with her Grandparents and culture, shaped her to become the strongwoman she is today. From openly freestyling in the garage to developing her style in the privacy of her bedroom, Kenzie’s love for the hip hop artform blossomed. As her confidence grew, she began experimenting and started to collaborate with her family including well-respected Samoan MC, her cousin, Poetik. Once she found her feet with writing and rapping, Kenzie delved into production, engineering and ghostwriting; further cementing her as a well-rounded artist.

Kenzie thrives in the space found somewhere between tradition and not conforming to society's expectations; from her unique style of fashion to her firm understanding of her cultural roots to her unwavering sense of community and activism to, of course, her writing and performance.

As inspired as Kenzie is by world affairs, global music and travel, there is no place like home. Her love for music and her culture is embedded in her heart, soul, and mind state.
 
Nominated for:
AUCKLAND COUNCIL BEST PACIFIC FEMALE ARTIST
ONErpm BEST PACIFIC HIP HOP ARTIST