Kaysha on AfricanLoft

Kaysha born in the Democratic Republic of Congo immigrated to France at age 7. He’s one of the defining voices of Afro-Caribbean rhythms. His style of music is a mixture of Kizomba, Rhumba, Zouglou, Zouk, Calypso,Hip hop, R&B etc.

Kaysha burst into MY limelight with the song, “One Love” which I later learnt was a huge hit in Nigeria. I got a chance to chat with Kaysha about his music, his plans and had the chance to clear up some of the rumors that I have heard about him.

Meet Kaysha, our Congolese talented male heartthrob:

Pammy: In your words, what genre does your music fall under. Is it zouk, kizomba …..??

Kaysha: It is Pan-African Music. I am all message so I cannot really be defined in terms of a genre of music. You can recognize my music wherever you hear it. But I can go anywhere, my music is freedom.

Pammy: How did you get your big break into music?

Kaysha : Did I? (laughs)

Pammy: How has the response been to your music?

Kaysha: Well, deep. Some people grew with me and saw me evolve. Some others just caught the train and are still in explore mode. Some love the rap musician while others love the love song crooners. I have to say that I am blessed with the kind of response that I have gotten all over the world.

Pammy: Have you won any awards for your music?

Kaysha: Yes, 3 koras, 1 MTV Europe nomination, 1 gold in Portugal, one platinum in Portugal, and countless useless obscure prizes but it is still good to have them… (Laughs)

Pammy: What is your favorite song?

Kaysha: Quando voce Chegou by Flavio Venturini.

Pammy: You are considered as being one of the sexiest African male performers. How do you deal with the attention from the ladies?

Kaysha: And I am not sexy but oh well (laughs). I try to see who loves me for me, my music, my interest and from there - I decide on my next move. It is beautiful to see someone cry when you sing a particular song or people talk about using “one love” as their wedding song. When music comes from the heart - it touches the heart.

Pammy: I love that song, “one love” - you mentioned an ex girlfriend. Is it dedicated to someone. Who is that someone?

Kaysha: Yes, it’s one woman, but it’s all the women, it’s my son, it’s my mother, it’s my father, my family, it’s the fans, it’s a song about the way you feel when you’re in love. I just wanted to explain what I go through every time I meet someone special, how “there ain’t no mountain high enough” when you get that feeling… Yes, a very personal song, but it speaks to and for everybody…

Pammy: Your name has been linked to so many famous female celebrities. For example: Ivorienne Coupe Decale princess- Teeyah, Congolese Model - Noella. Are there any truths to these rumors? Are you seeing anyone now?

Kaysha: I am single now. The problem with female celebs is that they are all crazy so I tend not to mess with them and I prefer to find someone who is sweet, likes to stay at home, loves to watch movies at home and loves to wear my sweat shirt. One thing I have learned in this business is that fame and sex is a really bad mixture, especially when you want a deep sweetness.

Pammy: Beyond your clothing line and your music - are there any plans to see Kaysha on the screen or in other business endeavors?

Kaysha: Oh yeah - lots of things. I am currently working with Noella on some stuff and i am about to start Sushiraw films for music videos. I am also interested in consulting with aspiring, talented people to help find a route where they can use our experience to help them shop beats, song writing etc.

Pammy: What advice will you give young African artists that will love to go into music?

Kaysha: The sky is the limit. Work hard and don’t wait for anybody. Making music now is so much easier than what it was in the past. You can do so using social networking sites. But it takes hard work, good spirit, blood, sweat to be a true African musical Icon.

Pammy: What challenges did you face when you decided to be a musician?

Kaysha: Well, coming from a good African family completing my education and getting that degree was a priority. The second challenge i had was within the music industry. It was difficult for music producers in France to understand the kind of music i wanted to perform. They wanted to see me within one particular light. I had to travel outside of France to produce the kinds of sounds i wanted to make.

Pammy: Your performance is so perfect. Have you ever had an embarrassing moment on stage?

Kaysha: It is not perfect - it’s just deep. Once i was doing a show and fell hard on the floor and hurt myself. But, people thought it was part of the choreography and started screaming louder, so with all the pain, i acted as if my falling was part of act and stayed on the floor till the pain was reduced and i could walk again. The crowd loved the performance but my dancers were laughing so hard behind me.

Pammy: So what is up with the dark sunglasses all the time?

Kaysha: Eyes are the soul and i have to protect my soul.

Pammy: what do you do for fun?

Kaysha: I love to go to the park with my son and watch him enjoy life. I like to go to the movies, restaurant with my friends, clubbing, make music and be in the studio, particularly with great talented artists.

EXTRAS:

One of Kaysha’s strengths lies in his strong sense of humor which was exhibited several times during the interview. He has produced music for artists such as Lynnsha and Soumia. He is truly one of the defining voices of afro Caribbean rhythms. To get his new cd, please go to: www.cdbaby.com/kaysha5. You can also check out his website at http://www.airtist.com/kaysha/?〈=EN