PREMIERE: Kahreign - Is What It Is (Official Video) + 10 Questions

Manchester based singer, songwriter and producer Kahreign releases visuals for her latest single ‘Is What It Is’.

In Kahreign’s signature style the bouncy, afro-fusion anthem draws inspiration from her Zimbabwean heritage - from layered in chanting in Shona ‘Ndizvozvo’ which translates to Is What It Is, to the self-produced beat which fuses afro-house with grooves reminiscent of the early UK funky house scene.

As fierce as they are passionate, the vocals take us on a story of embracing change and embarking on a journey of transformation. Translated into visual form, an adventure into the wilderness where the self-preserving and healing ability of nature itself symbolises acceptance, letting go, and the eventuality of flowing with what is determined.

Kahreign sat down with Wordplay Magazine to answer our infamous 10 Questions:

1. So tell me, how did it all begin? What sparked your love for music?

My first love for music was sparked through church. I grew up around a lot of beautiful gospel music which showed me how magical and powerful music can be as a tool to heal people or reach a meditative state. At home my dad introduced me to old-school hip hop artists like Kool & The Gang and I fell in love with clever wordplay and flows. One day I ran into a genre called Chicago House and yet again I found myself entranced by clever sampling of soulful vocals over hypnotic bass sounds and synths.

2. Who are some artists that influence you and that you want to work with in the future?

I am heavily influenced by Kelis. I love her laid-back vocals over sassy lyrics and how she’s explored genres from hip-hop to house. She’s a style icon too with her cool hairstyles. It is a dream of mine to work with Pharrell as I love his futuristic production style. I would have absolutely loved to work with Lisa Lopes/Left Eye because I admired her writing style. Working with Dizzie Rascal would also be epic as his energy on tracks is insanely powerful. I’d be keen to work with JAE5 on a nice and mellow afrobeat type of track. Kanye will always be a legend to me because he never gave up on himself. When I start to doubt my craft I ask myself “What Would Kanye Do?” …I might get that on a bracelet.

3. What are some of the problems you have faced making and releasing the music during the corona virus pandemic?

At the beginning of the Corona Virus Pandemic I really struggled to make and release music as there was little to no access to studios. My home set-up is very limited and trying to record vocals in the house is difficult due to the terrible acoustics (especially when your upstairs neighbours are rolling all over the floors during their online yoga class). However, I was able to ease into the new lifestyle and poured a lot more of my time back into writing as well as learning more production skills. Spending some peaceful moments in nature helped to centre my thoughts again so that I could write better.

4. How would you describe your sound?

I would describe my sound as electric eclectic and eccentric. I’ve spent a lot of experimenting with different sounds but recently I feel a homecoming and I want to infuse more of my roots into my music. I am moving more towards an Afro-fusion style of sound but I am always comfortable to explore other genres especially through collaborations.

5. What's your proudest moment to date so far as an artist?

My proudest moment to date so far is having three of my releases spun on BBC Introducing Manchester this year in the space of two months. It’s really lovely to be recognised by local radio legends that I look up to. I massively appreciate their support.

6. Do you have any advice for our readers who may be trying to play the mad game of music?

My advice would be to just be your most authentic self and don’t be afraid to make mistakes along the way. Let people be a part of your journey and be transparent about the process. Music allows people to connect and relate with each other. The flaws make you more real.

7. Are there any artists on your radar at the moment that we should check out?

You absolutely have to check out ZZ The Pharaoh, MVM Band, Kilo Koh, Chunky, Sutty, Kashi and China Lilly. I also have to big up my DJ, DJ Fistoz if you’re looking for someone to take you on a journey through the powerfully emerging genre that is Amapiano. Fistoz’s mixes are top tier.

8. What albums are on heavy rotation on your Spotify playlist currently?

My go-to albums that are always on rotation on my Spotify are Kids See Ghosts, The College Dropout, Sun Els’ To The World & Beyond, Blood Orange’s Cupid Deluxe, and TLC’s Crazysexycool.

9. What do you like to do when you're not making music?

When I’m not making music I’m making tea. I started my own homemade herbal tea brand called Togara Tea during lockdown and it’s been a really fulfilling journey so far. I really do geek over tea and it’s been a real shock to discover the people around me who are low-key big tea lovers too. So much tea to spill.

10. Name Three things you can't live without when in the studio?

I can’t survive a studio session without a cup of tea, a notepad and some Palo Santo to set my energy right.

Is What It Is - is available now on all streaming platforms.