Genre-defying, spiritually grounded, and fiercely individual – lordkez is an artist who refuses to be boxed in. As she graces the cover of GLAMOUR, we step into her world – one shaped by intention, introspection, and a deep connection to her craft
Born Kezia Zoe in Kimberley, lordkez has never been one to conform. “I actually get anxious quite a lot, and having my mom here makes me feel safe and grounded. She brings a sense of calmness.” Is it triggered by the spotlight? “I’ve overcome a lot of it – it was really bad in the past.” But her work demands her presence. She reveals that she uses music as a form of therapy; wellness is a big part of her life, and music is very spiritual. “If you’re an artist, you’re spiritual – that’s God. My music and spirituality have always been tied. Honouring your talent and craft is honouring God.” She also` believes “to make the best possible art, you have to be in the right space. This also speaks to the power of the mind. I choose a life of peace, joy, beauty and abundance.” She attributes her discipline in art, diet, health and mind to music. “I also journal and practise daily affirmations; I carry my green book with me everywhere!” she says. Today’s affirmation? “‘Ask and it is given.’ Especially fitting, because I manifested being on the cover of GLAMOUR!”
lordkez’s musical journey hasn’t been challenge-free. There was a time she was scared of her own voice. “I started singing in church at about 12. My grandfather would make me sing in front of people, which I hated. In high school I auditioned for the Kimberley Children’s Choir, but was rejected. That made me withdraw and become more introverted.” Another pivotal moment: moving to the UAE with her mom. “I lived there seven years, returning to SA to pursue my music. I met Ryan there, who played the piano. That’s when I started learning it. I tried to understand the theory; it was tough, I’m self-taught. I stopped trying to learn the rules and leaned into my natural talent. My confidence grew; I started performing at open mics, sharing videos.” Hesitantly, she admits she even recorded a song. “In hindsight, I realise I was just regurgitating everything I was consuming. ‘Hold You Down’ was my first song...” She laughs. “Needless to say, I made it disappear. You’d be lucky to find it!” lordkez initially explored academia: engineering. “But I soon realised this wasn’t the path for me. Music was all I ever wanted to do. I’m so grateful my mom supported me.” She was sheltered growing up, and it wasn’t until she moved to Abu Dhabi that her world opened up. “It was overwhelming, but liberating. This was when I started exploring, painting, curating my Instagram feed, experimenting with makeup. I was living through different versions of myself.”
This was reflected in her first EP, which blended alternative R&B, hip-hop and rap. “I was finding my own sound, and it came at a time when nobody else was occupying that space.” She was soon signed by an independent label, Stay Low. “Vaughn Thiel discovered me. I’m surrounded by a team that constantly pushes me to new heights. I couldn’t have asked for a better entry to the industry.” Her explorative approach is also reflected in her 2023 album, Testament. “I had to confront the parts of me I didn’t like, an artistic surrender. Being vulnerable is scary, but I believe in conquering my fears. And so winning the Best Album Award for 2023 felt like a self-fulfilling prophecy.” How does the H&M A/W campaign align with her personal style and artistic identity? “My entire career has been built on embracing my individuality. I’ve never chased trends or felt the need to fit in. So this campaign aligns with me in a very organic way – it’s been the foundation of my ethos for my career.” Embracing her current era, she shares that she’s returning to her roots. The A/W collection draws inspiration from different eras. “If I could, I’d love to transport myself back to the late 90s and early 00s and rock some of those classic R&B outfits – dresses, jewellery, kitten heels, sneakers, matching sets. Those are really my favourite fashion inspirations right now. They’ve actually inspired my latest project, You, Me, and the 90s!