Kenechukwu Williams Umeaku, popularly known as Cozy Kiyo, is a 20 year old Nigerian Hip-hop/Rap artist who intends to shake up the music scene with his snug flow and serene melodies. His music can be characterized as melodious, eccentric, vibe evoking and absolutely wonderful.
Growing up in a family that adores music, his mum being a gospel musician, it is not odd that he picked up serious interest in music. As a church kid, he was always singing in the choir, learning to play the drums and generally being very musically oriented. He developed a love for anything related to making music, be it recording, writing, or producing.
However, Kiyo discloses that the main reason he makes music is for a release. Music is his way of handling his problems without being detrimental to himself in the process. The ability to express himself verbally as he so pleases while also being acknowledged and understood by other people is something he cherishes dearly. Kiyo has many stories to tell and continues to use his music as an outlet to do so.
In terms of his creative process, Kiyo reminds me of Doja cat. Humming and saying gibberish to the melody of an instrumental then later filling it in with words. Seems like that’s a formula for success! Moreover, he is heavily influenced by artists such as Tyler the creator, Saba, Mick Jenkins, Monte Booker, etc. This would explain his mastery of melodies as well as the inventive and versatile nature of those melodies, his raps being a guiding words of the beauty.
If there’s any lesson he wants fans to learn when listening to his music, as basic as it might sound, is the freedom to express themselves. Kiyo himself dubbed this ‘basic,’ I personally do not think it is basic. A generation of young Nigerians/Africans who are experiencing the world digitally during this pandemic while also dealing with the harsh reality of their everyday experiences? This message is something we all need to say to each other once in a while. Anytime you listen to Kiyo, make sure you’re freely expressing yourself in every way.
Asides from music, Kiyo is interested in skate culture, reading manga and watching cartoons. His favourite anime is samurai champloo and his favourite manga is Jujutsu Kaisen. His favourite cartoons are adventure time, regular show and family guy.
Cozy Kiyo has a single coming out this Friday, the 30th of April! The name of the track is “DUFFY.” We at 49th street are looking forward to this drop and we hope to hear much more from him! If you want to hear more from Kiyo, check out the embedded album links below !