lordkez: A Journey of Self-Discovery, Music, and Art Through Her Debut Album "Testament"

Born Keziah Zoë Meyers from Kimberley, South Africa, lordkez’s rise to prominence is a tale of perseverance, raw emotion, and artistic exploration. What began as a humble introduction to music within the walls of her grandfather’s church transformed into a profound journey that would see lordkez embrace music, art, and her vulnerability in ways that would inspire and connect with listeners around the world. 

Kimberley To The World: Discovering Music

Growing up in a tight-knit community, lordkez had no clear vision of music as a profession. “I never thought music was something I could do,” she recalls. “I thought I would have a normal life, get married, and settle down, because that’s what everyone around me did”. Music found her, not in the glitzy music hubs of Cape Town or Johannesburg, but in the sanctuary of a church, where she discovered her first taste of musical expression through the choir. But even in this tranquil, small-town setting, it was difficult for the young artist to imagine that her love for music would lead to anything beyond the church walls.

"Confessions"

The path to musical discovery was not without its hardships. Rock bottom led lordkez to her powerful track, "Confessions", a raw, cathartic release where she poured out her heart, confronting the anxiety, pressure, and expectations placed on her as a young woman. Initially, "Confessions" wasn’t meant to make it onto her album, but as lordkez now reflects, it was crucial to her emotional journey.

Writing "Confessions" song was a moment of reckoning—a vulnerable space where lordkez addressed her own emotional pain. 

"Testament": A Reflection 

lordkez’s debut album, “Testament”, is an emotionally charged body of work that touches on themes of love, religion, loss, and self-discovery. The album is her musical diary, capturing the complexities of growing up, dealing with heartbreak, and reconciling faith and self-worth. The track "Judas", for example, draws inspiration from the biblical betrayal of Jesus Christ, resonating with lordkez as she navigated the betrayal and gossip that surrounded her. “There were stories going around about me, and I was very innocent in all of that”, she explains. “That’s where ‘Judas’ came from”.

Through her collaboration with Shekhinah on the song "Water", lordkez explores a longing love that isn’t directed at any one person but speaks to universal yearning. “It’s a love song, but more of a longing song,” she says. The synergy between the two artists is palpable, as their collaborative energy shines through in both their studio sessions and performances.

One of the standout collaborations on the album is "Enthralled", a track featuring Dreamville artist Bas. The song is a mystical, fairytale-like journey that represents both romantic and emotional exploration. “It was an incredible experience working with Bas,” lordkez says. “I was surprised and grateful that he was enthusiastic about collaborating. It was something new for him, and that openness meant a lot to me.”

One of the most powerful songs on "Testament" is "Eternity", a deeply personal tribute to lordkez’s late aunt, who passed away during the COVID-19 pandemic. The song is infused with vulnerability, as lordkez channels her grief into art. “It’s a love song, but it’s also about grief,” she explains. “To love is to take the ultimate risk, and this is about losing the greatest love.”

The Visual Journey: Art Meets Music

Beyond her musical pursuits, lordkez has also ventured into visual art. Her first art exhibition, The Last Supper, was inspired by themes from "Testament", such as religion, caricatures, and maximalist artistry. Her multidisciplinary approach allows her to create a cohesive narrative that blends music with visual storytelling, providing audiences with a deeper understanding of the emotional depth behind her work.

A Future of Boundless Potential

With Testament, lordkez has firmly established herself as one of South Africa’s most promising musical talents. The album is a bold statement of vulnerability, self-acceptance, and artistic depth. Through her music, lordkez is opening up conversations about love, religion, grief, and identity, inviting listeners to reflect on their own experiences.

In a world where authenticity can be rare, lordkez’s ability to embrace her vulnerability and connect with her audience makes her a true trailblazer. As she continues to evolve both as an artist and a person, there’s no telling how far her music—and art—will take her.

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