PICTURE: GALLO IMAGES/ LORDKEZ
South African singer-songwriter Keziah Zoë Meyers, popularly known as Lordkez, has built a reputation for creating music that is deeply personal, emotionally honest and unapologetically authentic.
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As her career continues to reach new heights both locally and internationally, the award-winning artist says one of the biggest lessons she has learned in the music industry is the importance of staying true to herself and trusting her own journey.
The Kimberley-born artist, whose career has soared following the success of her hit song Aweh and its remix featuring Cassper Nyovest, reflected on the challenges and rewards of navigating the music industry while maintaining her artistic identity.
The power of authenticity
Speaking about the success of Aweh, Lordkez explained that one of the most valuable lessons she has learned is that authenticity resonates more deeply than chasing trends or attempting to manufacture success. According to the singer, the song was created during a period in her life when she felt positive, inspired and creatively free.
“I was honestly just having fun,” she said during a recent interview, explaining that she wasn’t trying to create a hit record but was simply expressing herself honestly through her music.
For Lordkez, the unexpected success of Aweh reinforced the belief that genuine artistry often connects with audiences more powerfully than carefully calculated formulas.
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Trusting the timing
Another important lesson the singer says she has embraced is the importance of patience and trusting the timing of her career. Reflecting on the rise of Aweh, Lordkez described its success as a combination of preparation, opportunity and alignment.
According to SA Hip Hop Mag, she said rather than viewing success as something that can be forced, she believes that some of the most significant career moments happen when artists remain committed to their craft while allowing opportunities to unfold naturally.
This perspective appears to have shaped much of her recent career trajectory, which has included international recognition, major festival appearances and collaborations with some of the industry’s biggest names.
Lordkez finds through music
Lordkez has also spoken candidly about how music has helped her discover her own identity. As part of her recent collaboration with COLORSxSTUDIOS and Levi’s EMERGENT programme, the singer reflected on the personal growth she has experienced throughout her career.
“The journey in discovering my personal identity has happened through my greatest passion, which is making music,” she explained per Yomzansi. “I found myself becoming more of myself with every new step I took.”
The artist added that self-discovery remains an ongoing process and that every new creative experience continues to shape both her artistry and her understanding of herself.
Embracing growth and change
Over the past few years, Lordkez has evolved from an emerging alternative R&B artist into one of South Africa’s most exciting musical voices. She believes that embracing growth rather than resisting change has been another crucial lesson in her journey.
Speaking ahead of her performance at the Cape Town International Jazz Festival earlier this year, she revealed that she has spent the past 18 months discovering and refining her sound.
“I have found more of what my sound is,” she said, describing her music as a blend of R&B, soul, jazz, hip-hop and nostalgic influences, reports IOL.
Looking ahead
As Lordkez continues to expand her global footprint through international performances, acclaimed releases and major collaborations, she remains committed to the principles that have guided her career so far: authenticity, patience and self-belief.
For the artist, the biggest lesson the music industry has taught her may ultimately be the simplest one of all: success means little if it comes at the expense of who you are. And for Lordkez, staying true to herself remains the foundation of everything she creates.
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