Interview: Koku Gonza Shares Insights Musical Journey

After Koku Gonza exceptional single “Kryptonite” was released, we caught up with an insightful interview with such a talented artist to explore her eidetic experience and what she had to say about her incredible musical journey so far. Read below to learn some interesting details about Gonza

Where do you originally hail from and where are you based now?

Chicago by way of Tanzania, but I am based in Brooklyn. I moved to BK in 2017.

Congratulations on your new release “Kryptonite” How are you feeling about sharing this single with the world? I am very excited! Looking forward to sharing this single with people and watching their reaction. It’s my first release of 2021.

What was the inspiration behind the single?

Kryptonite inspiration stemmed from my experiences in relationships that turned from positive to negative, however, neither of us want to be the first to walk away so we would stay in this toxic space and tolerate each other. I refer to this indecisive heartbreak pattern in my song lyrics as Kryptonite.

What or who has influenced your sound and style?

Sade, Burna Boy, Fela Kuti, Mariam Makeba, Saida Karoli, Sauti Sol, Stevie Wonder, Erykah Badu, Hiatus Kaiyote, Prince, Corinne Bailey Ray, Lauryn Hill, Patrice Rushen, Sergio Mendes, Junior Murvin, Bob Marley, D’Angelo, Nina Simone, Dawn Penn

Your musical journey is very interesting! What was the biggest thing that kept you pushing towards your musical dreams?

When I perform, record and listen to music, everything outside of music fades out. It’s as if meditation is taking place.  I love letting go and being in the moment, music is a great way for me to do that. Music brings me moments of peace and vibes of clarity that I continue to live through. I’m inspired by the culture of music too. Every time a travel to a new place, I absorb the music culture. Travelling because of music is the dream for me.

What has been the best moment in your musical career that you’re most proud of?

I travelled to Italy in July of 2019 on my birthday to perform at the Umbria jazz Festival! The festival is held in Perugia Italy. I was selected because a booker watched my performance on a NY subway platform. He was there observing me for about 15 minutes. He started to cry while I was singing. I was freezing cold, but I didn’t stop, I wanted to play that day. I used to play on Subway platforms in NY for practice and to keep in the mindset to stay ready for the greatness to come. Anyway, he emailed me about playing the Umbria Jazz Festival in Italy that same day. A few months later I was on an all-expenses paid flight to perform an artist residency gig to Italy for 2 weeks. Grammy award winning artist such as Lauryn Hill, Patrice Rushen, George Benson, Richard Bona, Chic Corea and more performed there! I was the opening artist, all because I pressed forward through a difficult situation and chose to brave performing on a NYC subway station on a cold day in February, I never thought that moment would bring me to Italy.

Do you have any dream collaborations? Who are they?

My dream collaborators are Sauti Sol, Burna Boy, Patrice Rushen, Sade, Q-Tip, Sho Madjozi, Sergio Mendes, Richard Bona, Chronixx,  D’Angelo, Laura Mvula

Thank you for speaking with us! For our final question, is there anything else you would like to add?

I hope this interview inspires someone to come to a show this summer. I  will performing in New York this summer in public for the first time post covid!  Playing a few festivals and music series! Please come to a show if you are in the New York area. All show information will be posted on my social media and website on June 15.

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