AKA KELZZ

Das sagt der/die Künstler:in:

AKA KELZZ is a UK-born, Berlin-based vocalist, songwriter, and creative force crafting genre-blending soundscapes rooted in alternative R&B, soul, house, and spoken word. As queer, non-binary artist, KELZZ uses their music as a space for liberation, vulnerability, and radical self-expression—centering Black and queer narratives often sidelined in mainstream spaces.

Drawing inspiration from artists like Lianne La Havas, Little Simz, Sade, and Cleo Sol, AKA KELZZ’s sound fuses silky vocal layers with emotionally grounded lyrics, exploring themes of love, identity, healing, and resistance. Their performances create a sense of emotional sanctuary—intimate, immersive, and unapologetically real.

In November 2024, KELZZ released their debut album Odyssey—a powerful sonic journey that marked a new chapter in their artistry. The album showcases their ability to merge sensuality with introspection, blending elements of soul, R&B, and spoken word into a cohesive narrative rooted in personal transformation. Building on this momentum, KELZZ is now diving deeper into electronic territory with a string of upcoming releases exploring house, jungle, and drum & bass—revealing a new, club-driven side of their sound while maintaining their emotional core.

Originally emerging through Berlin’s soul and R&B scene, KELZZ has steadily gained momentum, performing alongside acts such as Madison McFerrin, Pip Millet, Kaleo Sansaa, Babyjoy, and Yaya Bey. Their ability to captivate audiences while holding space for complex truths has made them a standout presence—whether commanding the stage at The Great Escape and Reeperbahn Festival 2024 or curating intimate showcases that center connection over spectacle.

As an independent artist, AKA KELZZ is deeply committed to community building, producing events and workshops that uplift queer and BIPOC creatives. Their holistic approach to artistry positions them not just as a performer—but as a cultural force reshaping how music, identity, and belonging intertwine.

Frequently Asked Questions about AKA KELZZ

1. How did AKA KELZZ get started with music?

The path to music was anything but straightforward. Growing up in the UK in a musical family, KELZZ was repeatedly discouraged and made to feel that singing simply wasn't for them. It was the move to Berlin and the pandemic that became the turning point: with newfound time and the courage to just go for it, KELZZ began producing their own music and developing an artistic voice that is today truly unmistakable.

2. What is the story behind the album title „Odyssey"?

„Odyssey" is more than just an album title, it is a journey through sonic memory. KELZZ weaves together personal childhood memories, formative musical experiences and influences ranging from reggae legend Dennis Brown, their father's favourite artist, to the sounds of Berlin's club nights. The result is a deeply personal body of work that manages to feel universal at the same time.

3. What role does Berlin play for AKA KELZZ as an artist?

Berlin was the game changer. After several band projects in the UK had fallen apart, the city gave KELZZ exactly the space they needed: an open, diverse creative scene, new collaborations and a community that actively celebrates queer and BIPOC voices. The collaboration with producer Rafa Mura was a decisive step that helped establish KELZZ within Berlin's soul and R&B scene.

4. How important is community to AKA KELZZ beyond the stage?

Hugely important. AKA KELZZ sees themselves not just as a performer but as an active part of a broader movement. Beyond the stage, KELZZ regularly organises events and workshops specifically designed to support and amplify queer and BIPOC creatives. For KELZZ, music is a tool for connection and change, and that shows both in their art and in their engagement outside of it.