49th Street: Can you kindly introduce TKinzy to us?
TKinzy: Tkinzy is a singer/songwriter with so much versatility and diversity. I’m known for my unique vocals and songwriting style.
49th Street: Who were your musical influences growing up?
TKinzy: Growing up, we listened to a lot of music. I have loved a few but those who influenced me more than anything are superstars like Usher, MJ, Lucky Dube and Psquare.
49th Street: You have been inspired by really good artists looking at this lineup, when did you decide to kick-start this musical journey?
TKinzy: Growing up around music at home and in the church helped to make a decision quite early. At a very young of 15, I was already in children’s choir and that kickstarted it.
49th Street: As an artist, what inspires you to make the music that you do?
TKinzy: I am a very big lover of love and beauty in it’s entirety. So mostly I write towards that, creating different muse as often as I can.
49th Street: What impact do you hope to make with your music?
TKinzy: It’s very simple, I wanna make people believe so much in love because this generation does not seem to be interested in love anymore. This is very sad but this is our reality.
49th Street: What was going on in your mind music-wise when you moved to South Africa?
TKinzy: (Laughs) Well, I was warned by then PMAN president not to move to SA due to the xenophobic attitude towards foreigners trying to break out from SA music industry but I broke the record. I am well known in SA music industry.
49th Street: Any words for your fans and people who have been showing support right from your earliest days?
TKinzy: I love them so much. I mean, it means so much that I have a growing fanbase who have always supported me. I appreciate them so much and I carry them along to new chapters of my career as I unlock them.
49th Street: You just put out a new project, Soul Mate EP. Can you carry us along on how this project came alive?
TKinzy: Soul mate is my connection to my music. In that EP I had to sing about love and beauty which is mostly heard in my songs. I give credit to everyone involved in making the EP and big thanks to the team that made it go viral. This is just the beginning of a new chapter for us.
49th Street: The lead single off this EP is Sola with Teni the Entertainer, how was working with her like for you?
TKinzy: She’s a talent, she has always liked the song and she gave me a beautiful verse to go with it. She nailed it perfectly, exactly how we wanted it.
49th Street: Anyone you’d love to collaborate within the industry?
TKinzy: Yes, this year the plan is to work with Davido or Wizkid. I am back in the studio trying to get new songs ready.
49th Street: How has the reception been for your music?
TKinzy: I mean it’s been a year since I returned to Naija. A lot of people already believe in me and my music. My fanbase is growing out here in Naija. I’m happy, it means more fans will join soon.