Meet Kalayah Grant | Artist, Musician, Singer, Songwriter, Producer, Poet, Rapper & Model.

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kalayah Grant and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kalayah, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
I believe the most important factors behind my success thus far is being open and real. In a world of copy and paste, I prefer to be original! I feel it is unnecessary for me to try to be like anyone else, when I’m dope as I am. I think it’s important to take everything in and then create your own system. Another important thing I did for myself was to encourage myself. I started to tell myself that what is meant for me will not pass me by and there is always another way to get things done. I encourage who ever may read this to follow your heart and be consistent!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I truly believe that I am moving art! I think and move as an artist who doesn’t mind telling a real story. As an artist and creator, I get inspired by others but I always ask myself what do I want to say? I feel that my life is complex but has many beautiful and dark layers and I like to be real with whatever stage I am in. What sets me apart from others is that I know there is only one me and my life experiences can only be truly expressed from me. I am excited about 2023 because I am giving myself full permission to explore my creativity and my gifts! I want to say that is how I have made it to this point in my career all a long but I have been very distracted and overwhelmed with people and things that I forgot about my desires. Being a artist/creative is not easy because I often have too many ideas and the perfectionist in me doesn’t allow me to complete things! I often get overwhelmed or overly stimulated by social media, real life encounters and the thief of joy “comparison”. I can become immobilized and or only complete one task and then I am burned out.

I am proud that I took a leap last year and made my first official website, released my first single “Rather Be” written and produced by me, I released my first music video for my single and I launched my own business called “Get With Keys”.
I am very happy to announce that I will be putting out my first music project/ introduction of me titled “Darkest Hours”-1312 for this new year! I pray that the world will shed more light on mental-health, trauma, the power in honesty and the need for healing; I pray the world will see my soul but most importantly feel God.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Hanging with me we’d probably be trying different spots around Miami that of course have good drinks and music! Some spots I go to are Sins Gastrobar in Miami Shores or this cute spot called Sha Wynwood. For food and a good scenery we’d probably be at the Setai or Bae Korean Grill in Hollywood! I like beautiful and intimate spaces where we can have a good time and take cute pictures!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to shout out my village.

First, I have to thank God just because I know where my gifts and all of my help comes from.

Secondly, Alicia Keys for being her authentic self and pushing through. Alicia was the first woman I saw/heard via phone doing it & I can not pretend that her life and music hasn’t encouraged and inspired me.

Thirdly, I’d like to shout out my great- grandma for being my superhero. I don’t know where & or who I’d be without her.
My grandma has supported me my whole life on every level even as an adult & never really stopped me from pursuing my dreams! My grandma has suggested to find a plan B because she wants me to be secure but when I think about the freedom I’ve had to create and build at home, I will forever be grateful. My grandma was right there with me writing my notes on a pad at my very first piano lessons & bought my very first keyboard. Grandma I thank you to the end of time for all you’ve done and all you do.

Lastly, I’d like to thank my co-active coach Karen Barak for giving me tools to grow into the woman I am today.
I’d like to deeply thank the late Bishop Jimmy Kendrick, my first piano teacher for believing in me and seeing my gift at such a young age. I have to give a special thank you to Carl Pinder for introducing me to the world of r&b/blues/funk & so much more! I’d like to thank Kyla Maull for placing me in my first band experience Juggernaut! Thank you for introducing me to the gig world, more music, mentors and more connections! I’d like to thank True-Vine Apostolic Church for praying over my gifts and giving me the space to hone my skills/praise God. Lastly, I’d like to thank and give a special thank you to everyone that has ever supported me, encouraged me, booked me and was moved by what I do.

Website: www.35Keys.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/35keys/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/35_keys

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/35Keys/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVOd58kyn-qOOTXv5kzAABQ

Other: Tik Tok : https://www.tiktok.com/@35keys.official

Image Credits
Blondel.Garcon Catherin Meza Morgan Williams Kevin Hamilton Durga Macceus