Kwayedza Kureya, mononymously known by his stage name Kwaye, is a British-Zimbabwean[1][2] singer and songwriter based in Los Angeles, California. He has released two EPs and his songs have been featured in Netflix's Topboy and On My Block. He played Jacob in the Julian Fellowes 2009 movie From Time to Time.
Kwayedza Kureya (Kwaye) | |
|---|---|
| Origin | Zimbabwe |
| Genres | [citation needed] |
| Years active | 2017–present |
Early life and singing career
editKwaye was born to a social worker mother and a doctor father.[2] He lived in Zimbabwe until he was three.[2] His family then moved to London, later settling in Kent.[2][3]
Kureya began performing at an early age and grew up playing the viola, sax, and guitar.[citation needed] He later moved to Brighton to pursue a degree in American Studies.[3] While on a study abroad program in Los Angeles, Kureya played a demo of one of his recently recorded songs for an Uber driver who was a former A&R executive. Within a few weeks, Kureya had signed a deal to release his music.[citation needed] His debut single, entitled "Cool Kids", was released in March 2017, under the stage name "Kwaye".[citation needed]
In May 2017, Kwaye announced the release of his second single entitled "Little Ones", released on 30 May 2017; and in July 2017, he announced the upcoming release of his debut extended play, entitled Solar, and also announced a third single release would be titled "Sweetest Life". Both songs debuted on 25 July 2017. After a break from music, Kwaye released three singles, "Run", "Runaway" and "Kindness" in 2021.
Kureya has three older sisters,[2] one of whom is Shingai Shoniwa, lead singer of the indie rock band Noisettes.[4]
Discography
editEPs
edit| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Producer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Cool Kids" |
| Willson | 3:44 |
| 2. | "Little Ones" |
| Willson | 4:27 |
| 3. | "Sweetest Life" |
| Willson | 3:52 |
| Total length: | 12:03 | |||
| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Producer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Straight Lines" |
| Slenderbodies | 3:59 |
| 2. | "What Have You Done" |
| Willson | 3:32 |
| 3. | "Hanging On" |
| Willson | 3:30 |
| 4. | "Keep On Lovin' You" |
| Willson | 3:12 |
| 5. | "Made for It" |
| Some Randoms | 4:31 |
| 6. | "Paralyzed" |
|
| 4:07 |
| Total length: | 22:51 | |||
Singles
editAs lead artist
edit- "Cool Kids" (2017)
- "Little Ones" (2017)
- "Sweetest Life" (2017)
- "Lost in My Boots" (2017)
- "Jasmine" (2017)
- "I Go" (2018)
- "What Have You Done" (2018)
- "Paralyzed" (2018)
- "Keep On Loving You" (2018)
- “Kindness” (2021)
- "Pendulum" (2023)
As featured artist
edit- "Steady Motion" (2019) (Motez featuring Kwaye)
Songwriting Credits
editindicates a background vocal contribution.
| Year | Artist | Album | Song | Co-written with |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Tiffany Young | TBA | "Magnetic Moon"[5] | Tiffany Huang, Viktoria Hansen, Kevin Nishimura |
| "Run for Your Life" | Tiffany Huang, April Nhem, Kevin Nishimura |
References
edit- ^ "Kwaye on rediscovering himself for his transformational new music". GAY TIMES. 12 July 2021. Retrieved 22 November 2021.
- ^ a b c d e "R&B star Kwaye on being discovered in an Uber: 'I thought it was a bit weird'". the Guardian. 31 August 2017. Retrieved 22 November 2021.
- ^ a b "Kwaye is Going to Be Your Next Favourite Pop Star". www.vice.com. Retrieved 22 November 2021.
- ^ "Following in his sister's steps". Gravesend Reporter. Retrieved 26 June 2020.
- ^ Archived at Ghostarchive and the Wayback Machine: Tiffany Young - Magnetic Moon (Official Music Video). YouTube.