Upclose with Kay-T
Music is a form of art, it is an expression of feelings, emotions and thoughts. Knowing the song of an artist might not be enough, but getting to know them and what inspires the music they put out makes it easier for you to feel and understand the song better. I had a chat with Kay T earlier this week, thanks to technology I didn’t have to meet him in person because of busy schedules from both sides but we communicated exactly the way we wanted it to be, so here is a vibe with Kay T, he talks a little about himself, made some shocking revelations,his music and his extended play which he released about two weeks ago. Enjoy the vibe.
JE: Tell us a bit about yourself and growing up as a Ghanaian young boy and your music career: how long have you been doing this?
KT: My government name is Kwaku Tenkorang (Kay-T) Obeng, UK born Ghanaian. Growing up I’ve always been heavy into music but I have been doing it for real for about 5 years now. I’m also a video director under the name “KTO” (shhh 🤫). Videos I’ve shot include ‘Gimme vibe’ by Medikal & Stonebwoy, Darkovibes’ ‘Placebo’, Odunsi’s ‘Vanilla’, Magnom’s ‘maintain’ and a lot more.
JE: Is this your first EP? If yes what inspired it, and why the decision to release it now? If not, kindly tell us about your previous EPS?
KT: This is my first Ep. It was inspired mainly by the different mental spaces I have been in over the past few years and my thoughts overall. I decided to finally drop it now to get the appetite of my fans wet for what’s to come.
JE: What inspires your choice of music? I know you have a couple of songs out there, what exactly inspires the music you put out?
KT: My choice of music is purely inspired by my mood or mental space I’m in at that very moment. So you might hear a record with an overflow of energy like Teeshi and then hear another record with a sombre vibe like Sober.
JE: What inspired the songs on the EP, are there any special stories behind the songs or they are just lyrics and beats put together?
KT: All of my songs have a truth to it….my truth. For example, Sober talks about how I hate being sober and how painful it is….this stems from me being super observant and noticing pretty much everything around me. One might even say heightened senses. Having to experience all of them, always noticing when someone is lying….when someone is going through something…..knowing how most turn of events is going to play out….it gets painful to deal with hence me saying in the hook “I just want to free my mind”.
JE: You featured a couple of people on the KayT EP, any particular reason, I mean there are a lot of artistes but why the ones you chose?
KT: I chose these particular artistes to be on my EP because aside them being great in the field they’re in, I have great synergy with them. Example, the fan favourite on the Ep “Teeshi” I feature 2 people who I’m actually really cool with in real life which is why in my opinion makes the song flow so well. RJZ is someone I’ve known for almost a decade and the chemistry I have with Kirani Ayat is electrifying and I’m pretty sure my fans will agree as they’ve seen the explosion we create on stage every single time we perform the song.
JE: How is the industry treating the up and coming artistes?
KT: I think the industry isn’t “up and comer” friendly…there’s super pressure on the newer guys because the gatekeepers aren’t really looking to let a lot of people in regardless of their talent….but then again up and comers shouldn’t feel entitled either….no one is owed anything…The game is the game.
JE: Do you feel intimidated by the “big” artistes?
KT: I can say with absolute certainty that I have never been intimidated by ANYONE in my entire life. Utterly impressed? Yes. Admire and idolise? Sure. But intimidated? Never
JE: Are you signed to any record label or your music is self-funded?
KT: My music is self-funded. I am signed to no label.
JE: How is the EP doing so far, how has the reception been?
KT: The EP was received pretty well and is doing even better as the days go by.
JE: What is your personal favourite on the EP?
KT: My personal favourite on the EP changes every other day it used to be Sober then went to Teeshi. But my favourite for this week is Mankind.
JE: After the Kay T EP, what should we expect next? Any future collaboration we should be looking forward to?
KT: I’m dropping a joint tape with my fellow TSD brother Burn TBA in August and then two months after that I drop my first official Tape. I’m super excited about both projects and I can’t wait for you guys to hear it.
JE: Three artistes you’ll love to work with
KT: I’d really love to work with Stonebwoy, Sarkodie and my personal favourite Ghanaian artist of all time TINNY
JE: Your social media handles so you fans and new lovers of your music can follow and support your music.
KT: @ThisBeKayT on all social media platforms
If you enjoyed the vibe with Kay T, then you might as well check out his EP, the Kay T EP on all music streaming platforms via the link below while we wait for more music from him