Kiz is an independent rap artist from Leicester. With his soaring reputation for live performances, he has also taken time to focus on social causes that are import to him.
We caught up with him to find out more about his music background, performances, EP release, and the charities he is helping along the way.
Tell us about your background in music, and how you began performing?
From a very young age, I was always around music. I’ve grown up listening to various genres, different types of artists and learned how to appreciate all kinds of music. I was a huge Eminem & 50 Cent fan growing up, so I feel like I adapted to their style of rap in terms of wordplay and the capability to constantly switch flows. I was actually published in a poetry book back when I was in primary school so I feel like the element of rhyming has always been a part of me. From around 11/12-years-old, I noticed I was often picking up a pen and pad, where I’d experiment and try to write my own rap songs.
Fast forward all the way to post-lockdown… I finally made the decision to publicly announce and drop music for others to listen to, whether it was friends or family, creatives alike or others within the music industry. My very first live performance was in Summer 2023 in Puerto Banus, Marbella, Spain at Club Tibu, considered one of Puerto Banus’ biggest venues hosting over 1000 people. Once that had taken place, I was then booked for festivals, a ringwalk at the O2 in London, local shows back home and more. Usually artists start off with local shows first and work their way up to the bigger stages but to do it the other way round first, felt incredible, I still remember the adrenaline rush I felt coming off the stage in Spain. I’ve now done four shows at Club Tibu in the past three years which I feel is a huge achievement/accolade for an artist in our city.
Your recent EP focuses on life’s challenges, as well as overcoming mental and physical obstacles, how was the process of creating that EP?
The process was very tough, I’ll be honest there. Exposing your past, highlighting moments that were difficult, being accountable for certain situations, and overall feeling the genuine pain and passion behind each lyric being written isn’t easy… and then to go step into the studio and actually record is then another challenge alone. There is one track in particular on that tape that really displays all of that and I knew it definitely had to be part of the project – Get It Gone. I’m not here saying the things I’ve gone through or experienced are worse than others, but it definitely shaped me and the overall tape. 365, shows the reality behind closed doors which not everyone gets to see, it’s also there to show there is a light at the end when situations and times look too dark. Overall it’s allowed me to deal with reality face on and handle my past, my emotions and make me stronger both mentally and physically.
How would you describe your music style for anyone who isn’t familiar?
Versatile, energetic, passionate. I’m often told people can clearly visualise the story behind each song or freestyle when I’ve put these together, so I believe I hold a good narrative aspect behind my work. I stand by the iconic saying ‘gift of the gab’ to display my capability to perform under various genres and styles to therefore show off my versatility as an artist, whether it be rap, drill, house or drum and bass.
You’ve often tied in charity work with your music, be it raising awareness or raising money, tell us about the charities you’ve chosen to support locally.
My two main charities are LAMP – Leicester Action Mental Health Project and Help The Homeless Leicester. In 2023, I took the initiative to organise my own ‘gift of the gab’ charity event to raise awareness around mental health in support of LAMP. This is where I took a different approach with the saying, by encouraging people to use the ‘gift of their gab’ and this platform to use their voice, whether it was to speak about their direct struggles or to support others around them to speak up about it, underscoring my mission to make a change within our local community in Leicester.
Earlier this year I asked my supporters, friends and family to drop off unwanted clothes so I could make a mass donation to Help The Homeless Leicester. I wanted to do this before Xmas… I feel like we should be trying all year round to make changes and offer support where we can, not just once a month. I don’t see supporting my community and those less fortunate as a seasonal matter, which is why I have even bigger and better plans for 2026. I want to do my best to persuade everyone to do more where they can, as well as teaming up together to be there for one another just as much.
Who or what has been your biggest inspiration musically?
That’s tough to say. I believe you should always try to surround yourself with people you aspire to be like. Growing up and listening to different artists has helped me shape a good mindframe for what I want, what I need and how to go about it all to achieve my results. I take inspiration from my parents and their dedication to never give up in their general day-to-day life. My grandad has always been a huge supporting factor alongside and has always told me to pursue music from the moment he saw clips of me performing on a stage.I’ve always looked up to the artists who are not only successful within the music scene, but have also tried to do good around them as well, whether it’s through charity work and contributions or being supportive to either family or friends.
Following the EP launch, what is next for you?
I have been already working on a project for summer and cannot wait to drop this. But in the meantime, I have a lot more work to be doing. This is only the start but be sure to keep an eye out for top quality music videos, collaborations with artists, producers and more live shows!
How can people keep up to date with what you’re doing?
I regularly update all my socials; Instagram, TikTok, YouTube and Facebook really. I’m trying to make a big difference in Leicester’s music scene so whether it’s via local events, local press or via my socials, I’ll be making sure you all know what I’m getting up to, whether it’s another project, video production, teaser to a new song feature or more.
