Latest posts by Alaina Tennison
(see all)Wherе Summer never еnds: Discovering Kenya Vaun
Meet Kenya Vaun, our latest artist in the spotlight and a soaring star in R&B and Soul. At just 22-years-old, Vaun has a particular affinity for music of the 1990s, and this is apparent in her own songs. Growing up in Philadelphia, she was influenced by her mom’s music taste, as well as artists like Mary J. Blige, Lauryn Hill, and India.Arie.
Although Vaun got her start in songwriting, singing became her passion after entering a contest and performing live for the first time (apart from the singing and dancing performances she and her siblings put on for their parents growing up). Inspired by the roaring applause of the audience, Vaun realized her true calling and has not looked back. She emphasizes the significance of hard work and consistency in making her music. With recognition from notables such as media personality, broadcaster and former rapper Joe Budden, she is gaining worldwide recognition for her tantalizing tracks.
Vaun aims to showcase individuality and warmth through her music, and does so with meaningful lyrics and instrumentals that create a soft ambience and express a soulful undertone. My personal favorites are “Used To” and “Strike 3 Freestyle”.
Used To
Strike 3 Freestyle.
“Used To” is an old-school-style romantic ballad featuring lavish vocals blended with an atmospheric instrumentation that takes listeners back to an earlier decade. It conveys a certain sincerity and sweetness while still remaining upbeat and danceable. “Strike 3 Freestyle,” Vaun’s newest single, is musically and lyrically expressive, and an honest confessional that communicates relationship frustrations.
“When it comes to the sounds of today’s eclectic generation, no one represents it better than Philadelphia’s Kenya Vaun,” says Will Ornberg, Programming Coordinator at The Drop 104.7 and KUVO Jazz 89.3. “Still in her early 20s, she’s showing her love to the R&B, soul & hip-hop greats before her while also sharing her own feelings on confidence, love, and life through her music. Her air of authenticity and dedication to self-love grounds her as one of the frontline leaders of R&B today.”
Tune in to Denver’s 104.7 FM THE DROP, the people’s station for R&B and Hip Hop, to hear Kenya Vaun and discover other new favorites!