Keví Knight – Multi-genre rapper is on a musical journey
By Cody Hutchison
Tallaght-born musician Kevin Hemedy, best known as Keví Knight, is a multi-genre rapper and artist who, after pursuing modeling and graphic design, is now following his biggest dream, music.
Heavily influenced by music growing up, the 21-year-old told The Echo that pursuing a career in music wasn’t always on his mind.
However, two years ago when he started recording with his friends as HARESQUEAD he realised that music and performing was the right direction for him.
Keví took some time out to speak with The Echo about his musical journey, playing at Longitude and being involved in a music collaboration in the city.
What inspired you to pursue a musical career?
I was and still am heavily influenced by music. Growing up my father would always blast Congolese music in his car while dropping us off at school or getting a haircut etc. and at a young age my sister and I would always be singing and writing songs. One of my earliest memories is my sister and I doing a duet of Chris Brown and Jordan Sparks in our spare time, fully serious but with no intention of making or performing my own music.
You are involved in creating a collaborative scene for artists in Dublin, tell us about this?
I am all about networking and collaboration because Ireland is a small country, you don’t know who your friends may know. I’m primarily a part of a collective group called CÚPLA, which means couple in Irish. The concept is a couple of friends putting their energy into an idea and getting it done. And through CÚPLA we have collaborated with the likes of Vice in bringing awareness to the ongoing housing crisis which could be affecting the youth of Ireland in a few years’ time.
I am heavily involved with [a number of] collectives that are all helping each other to develop and better the scene while also giving a platform to any young artists that want to showcase their talents.
Are you currently working on any projects?
At the moment, I am currently gathering songs together to drop a mixtape by the end of the year. I have so much music from last year and this year it’s been hard deciding which ones will make it onto my first project. I also have a collaboration project with my friend Tony Konston from HARESQUEAD called ‘24 hours’ that’s set to drop anytime now.
What inspired the name ‘24 hours’?
It’s called ‘24 hours’ because we are both from Tallaght and the post code there is 24 and we’ve spent most of our hours/ childhood in the 24 [and that] should reflect both positive and negative moments in our lives through the music.
What is your goal, mission or aspirations with music?
My goals and aspirations with music is simple, I’m just trying to play my part in bringing the Irish music scene to the next level. Up until now you never see young people doing music in Ireland as a career. But I’m trying to be a part of the very few that are really ready to push the Irish music scene to the world. I’m also having fun which is my ultimate life goal.
How did it feel to be performing at Longitude?
Honestly, it feels surreal! I’m only really in the music scene a year, it is a blessing and I thank God. It’s a big opportunity and I’m just grateful, but at the same time I’m ready and want more festival bookings and bigger stages.
Do you have any musical inspiration?
I have a lot of musical inspiration that influence my songs and writing style, from the likes of WizKid, Bob Marley, Aj Tracey, Chris Brown, Future, Young Thug, 50 cent, MHD, David Bowie, Frank Ocean…the list goes on. But I’m also influenced by art and poetry, mainly art as I am also an artist/ painter [and I’m inspired by artists such as] the legendary Michelangelo, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Andy Warhol and Claude Monet to the new- school likes of Banksy, Mr Doodle and KAWS. They influence my creativity and also show that in today’s world there is no boundaries in art.
Do you have any advice for young musicians with the same dream and goals as you?
My only advice for any young musician/artist is to keep going, trust your process and craft. No one will understand your journey more than yourself. Also work you’re a*s off!
Where do you hope to see yourself the in the next few years?
Mainly getting both projects out by the end of the year! Next up is HardWorkingClassHeros making the line up for that would be lit. I like living day by day taking opportunities as they come and working towards realistic goals, really just keeping busy, more shows, more music. Hopefully next year I’ll have a hit and you’ll be forced to interview me again!
Follow Keví Knight on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
Listen to Keví’s new single Liar Liar on Spotify.
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