Kenza’s debut album ‘Music in Colors’ is a soulful fusion of roots and 3-Step innovation

Lutho Pasiya|Published

Kenza, born Keanen Leroy Bekeer, has become one of the distinct voices shaping the direction of modern South African house.

Image: Supplied

​“I am always developing my sound and adapting to what’s happening on the streets, while never losing the essence of Kenza,” said rising Afro-house DJ and producer Kenza, introducing his long-awaited solo debut, “Music in Colors”.

The album blends afro-house with 3-Step rhythms, capturing the diverse textures and emotions of South African dance music.

It is a personal statement, reflecting both his growth as an artist and his deep connection to Southern African rhythms.

“Music in Colors” features collaborations with voices like Msaki, Ami Faku and Heavy-K, artists whose energy and creativity shaped the album’s narrative. 

“Working with such brilliant artists really inspires me to be the best I can be. I always try to be a sponge and learn as much as I can from fellow producers and songwriters of this calibre,” Kenza explained.

These partnerships bring different textures and perspectives to the project, creating a dynamic interplay between emotive vocals and rich rhythmic layers that define the album.

Growing up in Namibia and the Northern Cape, Kenza absorbed a range of musical influences that now resonate throughout his work.

“The music I loved and listened to with my family is deeply ingrained in my sound. My deep African rhythms, paired with emotive synths and bright vocals, are a result of being influenced by Southern African music and blending it with other worldly sounds,” he said.

These roots inform both the melodies and the emotional depth of “Music in Colors”, creating a sense of place and memory within the music.

Stepping into the role of lead artist on his own album brought new challenges and discoveries.

“Creating and delivering my own project definitely taught me a lot about myself. It shows the growth not only in my sound, but also in who I am as a person - someone who is always self-developing, reflecting on mistakes, learning from them and striving to become a better human being,” Kenza reflected.

This journey of self-discovery is embedded in the album, making it as much a personal statement as a musical one.

The record is described as a soulful journey through South African house music, and Kenza hopes listeners will connect with both the stories and the emotions within each track.

“I really just want people to relate to the feelings and stories in my music. My goal is always to spread hope and love through the message of each track, while keeping our Southern African rhythms and relatability at the core."

"I want to take listeners on a journey of how I see and feel the music from my perspective. Hopefully, each track reaches the right ears, and each story touches the right heart-strings.”

Having spent years shaping modern South African house, Kenza, real name Keanen Leroy Bekeer, has co-created some of the country’s most celebrated tracks alongside the nation’s top artists.

A protégé of Sun-El Musician and the El-World/Under the Sun family, he now brings a deeply personal and sonically rich vision to life, asserting himself as a leader in the evolving landscape of afro-house and South African electronic music.