Draft:K.Keed
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K.Keed | |
|---|---|
| Birth name | Mihlali Koyana |
| Born | Gugulethu, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa |
| Origin | Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa |
| Genres | Hip hop |
| Occupation | |
| Years active | 2019–present |
| Labels |
|
Early life
[edit]Mihlali Koyana, professionally know as K.Keed was born and raised in the township of Gugulethu, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa. From a young age, she was drawn to poetry and began writing her own rhymes while still at school, inspired by the vibrant local hip-hop scene in Cape Town’s townships.[1]
Career
[edit]2019–2021: Breakthrough with “Similes” and Religion
[edit]K.Keed made her official recording debut in early 2019 with the single “Similes,” which garnered airplay on community radio and introduced her raw, unapologetic style to South African listeners.[1] On 15 December 2020, she released her first full project, the seven-track album Religion via 1529884 Records DK, showcasing her versatility across trap and lyrical Hip-Hop.[2]
2022: ALTER-EGO EP
[edit]On 26 February 2022, K.Keed dropped ALTER-EGO, an eight-track EP featuring high-profile collaborations with Blxckie, Dee Koala and Indigo Stella. Standout singles “Spazz” (with Dee Koala) and “Cid” cemented her reputation as a rising star of the Mother City.[3]
2023-present: Mainstream ascendancy
[edit]- In November 2023, she teamed up with Orish for the single “uMgaranto,” which received significant streaming traction.[4]
- On 28 February 2025, she released Bite the Bullet, a single featuring A-Reece, Priddy Ugly and Shekhinah, broadening her sonic palette.[5][6]
- In 2024, she released Bite the Bullet, featuring artists like A-Recce, Priddy Ugly and Shekhinah.[7] By December 2024, K.Keed had become the most-streamed female Hip-Hop artist in South Africa—a landmark achievement for a Cape Town-born rapper.[8]
- In March 2025, Apple Music’s Rap Life Africa show, hosted by Ebro Darden and Nandi Madida, spotlighted K.Keed as its featured artist, praising her bold lyricism and growing influence on the continent’s Hip-Hop landscape.[5]
Artistry and influences
[edit]K.Keed blends township slang, trap-driven production and confessional lyricism. Critics note her “unorthodox flow” and ability to switch between hard-hitting bars and melodic hooks. She has cited the DIY ethic of Cape Town’s underground scene and international artists like Nicki Minaj and Cardi B as inspirations for her fearless stage persona.[9][10]
Awards and recognition
[edit]She has reached significant milestones, such as performing at The Boiler Room: Contemporary Scenes x Wear Broke[11] and being featured in Redbat's Young & Dope campaign.[12] By the end of 2024, she was the most streamed female Hip-Hop artist in South Africa.[13]
In March 2025, K.Keed was featured as an artist for Apple Music's Rap Life Africa initiative, recognising her bold artistry and impactful role in South Africa's thriving Hip-Hop scene.[14]
Record labels
[edit]She is currently signed to Gallo Record Company, Entertainment Lords, 1529884 Records DK and K.Keed Records.
Discography
[edit]- Religion 2020[2]
- Tx3 - Single 2021[15]
- ALTER-EGO 2022[16]
- uMgaranto 2023[17]
- Bite the Bullet 2024[18]
References
[edit]- ^ a b "K.Keed is an artist you shouldn't be sleeping on right now". www.gq.co.za. Retrieved 20 May 2025.
- ^ a b R E L I G I O N by K.Keed on Apple Music, 15 December 2020, retrieved 14 March 2025
- ^ briony@ceconline.co.za (31 October 2023). "K.Keed 'Unpacking The Secrets To Her Success'". CEC. Retrieved 20 May 2025.
- ^ "K.Keed on Apple Music". Apple Music - Web Player. Retrieved 20 May 2025.
- ^ a b Lesiba (15 March 2025). "Apple Music Announces K.Keed As March's Featured Artist For Rap Life Africa". HYPE Magazine. Retrieved 20 May 2025.
- ^ "Rap Life on Apple Music". Apple Music - Web Player. Retrieved 20 May 2025.
- ^ "Bite the Bullet by K.Keed". Genius. Retrieved 14 March 2025.
- ^ Seemela, Masego (9 December 2024). "K.Keed stepping up the rap ladder as the most streamed female hip-hop artist in 2024". Sowetan Live.
- ^ "K.Keed - Songs, Events and Music Stats | Viberate.com". www.viberate.com. Retrieved 20 May 2025.
- ^ "An Exclusive Interview With K.Keed". Sneaker LAB. Retrieved 20 May 2025.
- ^ briony@ceconline.co.za (31 October 2023). "K.Keed 'Unpacking The Secrets To Her Success'". CEC. Retrieved 14 March 2025.
- ^ "K.Keed is an artist you shouldn't be sleeping on right now". www.gq.co.za. Retrieved 14 March 2025.
- ^ "K.Keed stepping up the rap ladder as the most streamed female hip-hop artist in 2024". SowetanLIVE. Archived from the original on 10 February 2025. Retrieved 14 March 2025.
- ^ Lesiba (15 March 2025). "Apple Music Announces K.Keed As March's Featured Artist For Rap Life Africa". HYPE Magazine. Retrieved 17 March 2025.
- ^ Tx3 - Single by K.Keed on Apple Music, 25 September 2021, retrieved 14 March 2025
- ^ Alter-Ego by K.Keed on Apple Music, 26 February 2022, retrieved 14 March 2025
- ^ uMgaranto by K.Keed & Orish on Apple Music, 24 November 2023, retrieved 14 March 2025
- ^ Bite the Bullet by K.Keed on Apple Music, 28 February 2025, retrieved 14 March 2025