Berlin and Dakar-based singer-songwriter and artistic director K.ZIA’s new EP, Kintsugi Heart, features soulful R&B, acapella, trap, and pop aromas.
Talking about the EP, K.ZIA shares, “After struggling with depression for the first time in 2020, I embarked on a journey of self-discovery and spiritual reconnection. I traveled, practiced sports, and wrote extensively to understand my life’s purpose and spiritual state. Through these experiences, I was able to heal myself and create a potion that I hope will help others heal too. ‘Kintsugi Heart’ – from the Japanese pottery practice Kintsugi where they mend broken pieces with golden glue is a metaphor for embracing our flaws and imperfections and emerging from difficult times more beautiful with our scars. This EP is the acknowledgment of a time of deep sadness, accepting it, expressing it, and healing from it. It is a journey through love, struggle, darkness, introspection, growth, and light. It is the final burial of my depression and the Panacea to hopefully prevent another.”
Born of a Martinican father and a Belgo-Congolese mother (internationally acclaimed recording artist Zap Mama.) K.ZIA was raised amid many cultures and has traveled the world of music and circus, during her childhood and teenage life.
Following a series of releases, in 2022, K.ZIA unveiled her debut album, Genesis, followed by being designated as an artist to watch, receiving acclaim from elite media publications, as well as appearing in Flanelle Magazine.
Encompassing six tracks, highlights on Kintsugi Heart include “Pressure,” traveling on a subdued acoustic guitar atop a thumping, measured kick-drum. Gentle and cashmere, K.ZIA’s amazing crème de la crème vocals fill the lyrics with soft, passionate timbres.
Opening on emerging tones, “Rise” flows into a dark, moody melody as K.ZIA’s voice infuses the lyrics with sumptuous flavors, at once urgent and heartfelt. Gospel-laced vocal harmonies add alluring depth and dimension.
A drifting, gliding intro imbues “Trust” with indulgent coloration, followed by the entry of a syncopated rhythm. K.ZIA’s voice takes on edgy hues, imbuing the lyrics with dynamic savors of belief and hope.
With Kintsugi Heart, K.ZIA struts her deliciously captivating and oh-so-posh voice, simultaneously evocative and seductive.