FIRE ISLAND

Agroup of queer best friends gather in the Fire Island Pines for their annual week of love and laughter, but when a sudden change of events jeopardises their summer in gay paradise, their bonds as a chosen family are pushed to the limit.

Tweekend we met with the talented and celebrated Hip Hop artist Kena, whose real name is Ayanda Selwyn Tsela. He is a musical prodigy with a unique style and creativity, rhymes in both Vernacular and English.

He proudly represents a simple philosophy that if you have a dream, start where you are with what you’ve got, it’s possible to live your dreams. Truly a force to be reckoned with in the industry, with his unmistakable trademark quote ‘soyaKenamos’. Kena recently hosted a listening session for his third album titled ‘Asylum’ at 23:28 Lounge on Thursday. In this section, he tells us more about the listening session as well as what inspired it.

Kena says fans can expect nothing but great music, and nothing but fun in his latest project. HIS

We all need a safe space to reflect on our current situations and hype ourselves to face the world and leave a mark in the world. This project reflects the journey of facing your personal demons and being able to build yourself again. This is the Asylum, a full body work offering shelter and support to people who are going through life challenges, this is a refuge to keep you going. Everything that happens in Ayanda Selwyn Tsela’s life inspires Kena, from personal experiences to what I get to see on a daily basis in the streets.

Who

I have worked with a lot of great artists both locally and internationally and have learnt a lot from each one of them. I have collaborated with artists such as Fifi Cooper from SA, I have worked with Ghetto Villah, Lution, Diba Diba, Mozaik, Llucid, Lyrikal Busta, Chaboy, Liz Harris, Magasman, Ayzee and Luci Gang-Child to name just a few, but the catalog is crazy and I’m looking forward to working with more artists locally and internationally.

What inspired album ‘Asylum’? have Which artists have you worked with previously and in your entire career? your you worked with in completing the full project?

In completing the album I have worked with Liz Harris, who is more of the top chef in cooking this one as he produced most of the songs in the project and he’s featured as well. I also worked closely with Chaboy of Rare Jam Productions, where the whole project was recorded also both on production and featured vocalist. The production team stretches from Trooth to Jojo and Lexelboom. Features include the award-winning Lyrikal Busta, Reid Rapsus,

MTN SWAMA awards nominee Hip Hop artist Kena hosted a listening session for his third album titled ‘Asylum’ at 23:28 Lounge.

Magasman, Ayzee, Luci Gang-Child and it was a great experience working with each and every one of them.

Briefly tell us about the ‘Asylum’ project as well as your past projects.

This is actually my third project, the first one was ‘Tsemba Lema Ginsa’ released in 2017 then the second one was ‘Street Qualities’ EP which was released in 2019 and both projects did well and even got me nominated in the MTN SWAMA awards. This one is more personal as I talk a lot about the things I’ve been going through lately, it’s more inspiring and the sound is different from the previous ones as we were experimenting with a lot of sounds, having fun while telling a story.

Who are some of the artists you have invited for your listening session?

Most of the artists invited are the ones I worked with in the project plus since it’s free entry it means all artists are invited. Influencers in the industry are invited as well. Basically everyone can come through, I have Lution and Chaboy also pulling up.

How many tracks are there in your album?

We decided to go with 10 tracks for this one. Of course a lot of tracks were recorded but the team and I felt like the 10 tracks would be proper. The first album ‘Tsemba Lema Ginsa’ had 15 tracks and ‘Street Qualities’ EP had seven tracks. So with this one we felt like the 10 tell the story perfectly and suit the concept.

What inspired you to hold the listening session?

I wanted to share the project in a more up close session with my fans and lovers of music, people who appreciate art and like listening to stories as I share mine. Also it’s important to get to engage with your audience as an artist, build a relationship with your fans, musicians and people who appreciate what we are doing, expanding your network as well. This listening session provides that opportunity not only for me but everyone who will attend.

What can fans expect from session?

Fans can expect nothing but great music, a story behind the album concept, the story behind each song and I promise nothing but fun.

What has kept you in your music career? this going and listening motivated

The love I get from the people who listen to my music, the feedback I get after performances, the support I get from my family, friends and fans. The aim is to make my dream come true. All these things keep me going, they motivate me. Not forgetting the love I have for music, this is more than a gift, it’s a calling.

What words of wisdom can you give to upcoming artists who are trying to make it in the music industry?

If you have a dream, start where you are with what you got. Believe in yourself for that will make everyone believe in you. Patience is key in this industry. Also read, research and practice more to sharpen up your skills.