“It’s deeper than lyrics.” Kengo is songwriter and vocalist who channels honesty and lived experience into music that bridges emotion and spirit. These tracks are rich in lyrical depth and melodic sensitivity, speaking about connection, healing and resilience. Kengo draws on personal stories to tap into universal themes of faith, identity and unity. The result: everyday moments as you’ve never heard them before. The musician performed as one of 10 breakthrough acts at the 2025 New Music Stage. Presented in collaboration with TALENTBANQ, Caffé Nero and Imagesound as part of Aesthetica Film Festival, the all-day event spotlighted the best and brightest of the music industry. We caught up with Kengo, six months on from the performance, to hear how she felt about the experience, what live performance means to her and what’s next for the artist.

A: Take us back to the start. How did your musical career begin? 

K: It began during lockdown. That was when I made a conscious decision to fully commit to songwriting, learn about the industry and actively pursue music from both a creative and professional perspective. With so much time to reflect, I really asked myself what “do what you love” meant for me and what that could look like in reality. I wrote down everything that made me feel purposeful and music stood out every single time.

A: You’ve said “it’s deeper than lyrics,” when talking about songwriting. Tell us more about what this means.

K: For me, it’s more than just songwriting. Music is an outlet. Every song is an chance to heal, support and uplift, not only myself, but anyone listening. What I choose to share isn’t just lyrics, it carries deeper meaning. I see it like donating blood, when you give, your body is forced to replenish and grow stronger. Music can shift perspectives and transcend language barriers, it touches hearts in ways words alone can’t.

A: How do you draw on personal stories and experiences in your song writing?

K: I write from both emotion and experience. As someone who is neurodivergent, that shapes my creative process. Sometimes I hear lyrics within the instrumental itself, the feeling comes first, and the words follow. Conversations can also spark ideas, certain phrases linger and naturally turn into songs. Although my experiences are personal, they often resonate with people from completely different backgrounds.

A: What do you hope to inspire in listeners? 

K: Ultimately, I want people to feel free when they listen to my music, to feel capable and empowered. I don’t want to dictate how anyone should react, but I hope each song stirs something meaningful within them.

A: How do your Kenyan and Congolese roots influence your music?

K: Many of my songs draw from my cultures and my journey navigating life as someone who is both Kenyan and Congolese. The challenges I’ve faced, the duality of identity and the beauty within both cultures influence my storytelling. I also express this blend visually through my fashion and accessories, such as necklaces that fuse the Kenyan and Congolese flags, symbolising both sides of who I am.

A: You performed on the stage at York Theatre Royal during Aesthetica Film Festival 2025. What was that experience like?

K: I genuinely love performing live. It’s an indescribable connection, a chance to reach people you might never otherwise meet. Everyone in the room is different, yet a shared love of film and music brings them to the same place. I love the stage, the sound and the atmosphere. Every musician dreams of performing in a space with great acoustics and energy, it makes you feel valued and supported.

A: What excites you most about the UK’s music scene?

K: What excites me most is being part of an industry that is diverse and constantly evolving. Performing at York festival has allowed me to build new connections and experience stages such as theatres, whilst also deepening my understanding of how powerful music is within film.

A: How do you define a great live performance? 

K: To me, a great live performance gives the audience a deeper insight into who you are as an artist. It should make them feel something and leave them knowing you a little better than before.

A: What’s next for you? Anything for us to look forward to?

K: I have an upcoming performance with GirlsOfGrime for International Women’s Day, celebrating women in music, with prizes to be won. Right now, I’m focused on honing my craft, collaborating at music camps, developing myself creatively and expanding my circle. Additionally I’d like to release music this year so I’m looking for someone to help me better understand the marketing process of a song release.

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Words: Emma Jacob & Kengo

Learn more about Kengo: @kengo.kc

Find out more about the New Music Stage at Aesthetica Film Festival: asff.co.uk