What's one to make of the enigma that is Kyza? Poetic lyricist, rap scholar, streetwise storyteller or a perfectly balanced combination of all three? And so the legend goes... “I wrote my first lyric after seeing a freestyle on “Yo!MTV Raps”, but I’ve always loved Hip-Hop. Especially, people like Nas & Pharoahe Monche, even Buju Banton. I knew I would be doing this from the day I won a Westwood showcase. It was a big talent show at “Dingwalls”. I did some pre-written lyrics and the crowd response was really good.”


Kyza is a natural born rapper with a potent wit and a mouthful of killer punchlines that he seemingly unleashes at will. He’s also a quiet decisive character who picks his words as carefully as his attire. "People think the name (Kyza) comes from The (film) Usual Suspects and I use that to my advantage because I’m quiet and I’m the last one they suspect but I’m usually the culprit. The name Kyza comes from Kaiser meaning ‘Leader, King’. I’m a leader but I’m leading myself, because you have to lead yourself before you can lead others."

With a discography that reads like a directory to some of UK Hip-Hop’s most outstanding collaborations, this wordsmith has already defined his place in the future of the expansive British scene. He’s ran through the barricades of some of the hardest posse cuts and excelled, both when he was passed the baton on DJ MK’S ‘It’s All Live’ and on Jehst’s Trilogy remix, a track Kyza humbly describes as “one of my favourite moments. I didn’t expect the feedback I got.”

A founding member of Terra Firma, alongside Ricochet Klashnekoff & Skriblah, Kyza has taken a wealth of inspiration from his West London surroundings and condensed it into compelling tales of truth, morality, wisdom and youthful passion. Unsurprisingly, Kyza’s influences and musical background are as wide as his lyrical repertoire.

“I’m influenced by things like Linton Kwesi Johnson’s poetry and Anansi stories. I listen to Rare Groove, stuff like Luther Vandross, I love 80’s pop music: Human League, Talk Talk, The Police, Paul Weller is heavy, Name any 80’s band and I’ll name any 3 tunes. That’s why when it comes to my music it’s across the board. It’s all my own viewpoints and experiences plus I bring humour to my music. I got double time shit, shit for the club, shit for the girls. I consider myself a well rounded person and that’s what people will get to hear.”

As his debut single “Lights Out” undoubtedly proved, the cult of Kyza is set to grow. His legendary MC skills have already gathered enough acclaim to land him the starring role in Stratford Theatre Royal’s Hip-Hop musical entitled “Da Boyz”. It’s all part of the versatility that will keep the Kyza flavour on people’s lips for the foreseeable future.

“I want to reach the Top Of The Pops audience and that’s honest. All the violent stuff is nothing to me; I want to turn the other page, but its all progression. Hopefully people can relate to it.”


Lights Out/Harsh Reality
Real Rap/Devil In A Dress