Sibongile Ndiweni, Sunday Life Reporter
JUST a year back, the name Khanyakude Dhliwayo was just an ordinary one, which any individual would not look at twice, but the 16-year-old from Bulawayo has paved a path for herself in the music industry and with diligence, she is on the fast lane to become a head-turning celebrity.
Born and bred in Bulawayo and a Form 4 learner at Dominican Convent, Khanyakude Dhliwayo first performed under the stage name Yaezzy before changing it to Kah’Nya. Her music is influenced by a wide range of genres with more poetically complex themes.
“I classify my genre of music as indie or alternative pop. I released my debut album ‘Ulterior’ last year in May,” said Kah’Nya.
Kah’Nya said she remembers wanting to take up a new hobby at around ten years having the feeling that academics and sporting activities were not enough for her.
“At that time, I knew that I wanted to learn the guitar so when I took it up, everything fell into place and my passion grew stronger. And when I started taking music more seriously, I felt it was important to keep my music identity and my personal identity separate. I wanted to establish this segregation by going with a stage name.
“This somehow gave me an identity crisis post my debut album. I then decided to stick with a name that felt more authentic to me because growing up with a unique name outside and within my culture comes with a lot people who made fun of my name and inarticulation.
Artistes performing at Intwasa (file photo)
“I chose the name “Kah’Nya” which is an anagram of my real name as people are more inclined to say it correctly,” she said.
Through her good and unique music, Kah’Nya managed to grab herself an opportunity to perform at Intwasa festival and with the credibility that Intwasa is commanding in Bulawayo and beyond, this will be a huge turn and great achievement in her music career.
“It was an enthralling experience. I’m beyond happy for the fact that I got to share my art live, meet other amazing artists and like-minded people that I am excited to work with in the future. And in the next few years to come, I see myself pursuing music as a successful songwriter,” she added.
Last year, she scored big when she was nominated for the Roil Bulawayo Arts Awards in the Best newcomer category.