The visionary, The artist, and proactivist, Keznamdi is building a legacy with a celebrated catalog streamed over 20 million times with sell-out tours across North America, the Caribbean, and beyond. Born in Kingston Jamaica, to Rastafari parents with an iconic reggae outfit Chakula, Keznamdi grew up with both musical and activist influences. Like his siblings and other Rastafari youths, Keznamdi was discriminated against for his looks, his outlook and his livity and was under constant victimization from teachers and bullying from students.This only strengthened Keznamdi’s resolve to rise above the cynics and live on his own terms.His life took an interesting turn when aninternational work opportunity for his mother led the family’s move to Tanzania and then Ethiopia, which became a colorful andenlightening backdrop for youngKeznamdi’s creative palette.
“Pressure” is an impactful track that fuses a mesmerizing rhythm with a compelling message. The lively beat of the song instantly grabs your attention, pulling you in with its infectious melody. Yet, beyond the facade, the lyrics convey a profound message about conquering obstacles and maintaining resilience in the midst of adversity. The music video for “Pressure” was filmed in Ghana, infusing the song with a vibrant and genuine vibe. The visuals highlight the country’s splendor and its people, amplifying the overarching theme of solidarity and fortitude in the face of pressure.
Tell us about ‘Pressure’. What’s it all about?
I feel like there is an immense amount of financial pressure right now for everyone due to the state of the global economy. Change is happening at a very rapid pace, change for the good and the bad. There is just a global feeling of not knowing what to expect. “Any card can draw now.” And that feeling breathes a lot of tension because it’s hard to find stability especially coming out of a World Wide Lock Down. It was devastating for the natural order and cycle of the world, which was traumatic for most people. You can see it in all the uprisings and protests happening all around the world, at the same time; The nationwide Kenyan Anti Tax Protests, The Uprisings happening in Bangladesh against the Hasina Goverment, The Anti Immigration Riots in the United Kingdom. So many to list because the youth of today can’t live in the past. I wanted to create a sound that represented this frequency, feeling and that struggle we face today!!!
How does it relate to ‘Identity Crisis’?
Well i think the lock down revealed to us what this system really is – A Mental Prison, it was just easier to feel it and see it. The world hasn’t been the same since especially with my generation.
What were some of your main influences growing up as a musician?
I think the teachings of Emperor Haile Selassie I and the Livity of Rastafari has inspired me to walk the earth with a cause rather than just living passively. So i apply those same principles when i move in the space of music.
What’s the best part of carrying a Jamaican heritage and background?
I think the rhythm of Jamaica in the music, the way we talk, just the way Jamaicans do things is very unique but Jamaicans have been very instrumental in the Emancipation of a People from the birth of Jamaica from some of the first uprisings against Colonial oppression to the contributions of Marcus Moriah Garvey and Robert Nesta Marley otherwise known as Bob Marley. My culture breaking the chains of Babylon is something i am very proud of.
What was it like living in Tanzania and Ethiopia?
Growing up in a Rastafarian household Africa was a term and philosophy we constantly heard. So getting a chance to actually experience it in the flesh life changing. It truly open my mind and exposed me to so many different cultures and different peoples, languages and food etc. I think it’s one of my super powers and it is one of the pillars for this musical journey.
How have you changed and grown as an artist since your debut?
I think bloodline the album was the first time i got the music perfect and right in my eyes. But with the Blood and Fyah album it’s the first time the Music, Message and cause aligned.
What’s the main message of your art ultimately?
Really it’s no literal message, it’s mainly a feeling to bring people together!!!
