Today we’d like to introduce you to Kenai Reyna.
Hi Kenai, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
Ever since I was a four-year-old, I’ve always had a dream of performing on big stages in front of thousands of people.
It started from watching Michael Jackson’s first moonwalk, and the passion escalated throughout the years through experience. I started performing at a young age with dance, and my hunger for the dream only got stronger every time I got in front of people. It started with dancing, and then to singing, and then I eventually became fascinated with writing my own raps. I danced for the first 12 years of my life and unfortunately got into an accident that prevented me from dancing the same. While I was recovering from the accident, I picked up the pen and wrote my first raps.
They were not the best, but my family supported whatever I did, and they made me believe I was the best. After a couple of years, of practicing my freestyle and writing at school and at home, I decided that the dream was still possible through hip-hop. I bought myself a laptop and studio equipment and learned how to make beats. I dropped out of school, signed myself up for music school, and learned about studio engineering. After that, I started putting myself out there on the internet and streaming platforms. Ever since then, I’ve been doing shows, perfecting my craft, and developing myself as an artist in my city.
Even if I couldn’t dance the same, I wanted to find a way I could still perform, to prove to myself that the dream and everything I envisioned was still possible. And through that, I found a passion for hip-hop, musical creation, and performing for the people. To inspire and share with the world the peace and love I spread through my music.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely has its ups and downs. When I got in my accident, it made me doubt everything I was capable of. As I started creating my own music, I saw that not only do I attract people that enjoy it, but people that want to hate it. that being said, I’ve learned that it’s just a part of the journey.
Even if it gets me down sometimes, which it does, I’ve learned the key not to doubt myself. EVER. The only limit is me and even when I’m at my lowest, it’s always an opportunity for me to rise above and prove to myself that I can do anything.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a songwriter, producer, studio engineer, and performing artist. In my city, I’ve been known to freestyle at any time about anything and always have something to talk about, as well as being a very energetic performer. I’m most proud of the fact that I have taught myself most of what I know. I have the ability to start from nothing and to make a whole track from start to finish by myself, and to be able to perform those songs for people is incredible to me.
There was a time I didn’t think I was capable of any of this, yet here we are. I think ultimately, that’s what sets me apart from the rest of my town. I’m able to see every angle of a song. From the beat to the lyrics, to how it sounds on my headphones, to how it feels in a venue. And with my knowledge of dance and theater, I say humbly, I’m able to perform with the energy of 20 people, and I’m able to control a crowd pretty damn well if I say so myself.
Who else deserves credit for your story?
My brother Trapper was making beats long before me. He always has pushed me to do things myself and to be the best I can be. He raps with me, records make beats, and inspires me every day. My mother has always supported everything I do too, from music school, to freestyle ciphers in alleyways, to small bar shows where there are fewer people in the crowd than people on stage. She has always been there to cheer me on. The same goes for my sister Shakai, who has helped me promote and push my music to the masses with the knowledge she carries, she always has great enthusiasm when it comes to my music.
Also, my good friend Wes Burke. He has helped put me on to my first major shows and has always had my back as far as music and performing go. Big shout out to him! I’ve had many people I’ve worked with throughout the years teach me lessons about this journey, both good and bad, and I’ve always found gratitude with every lesson that was brought to me. Shout out to all of them for making me who I am today!
Contact Info:
- Website: kenaireyna.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/kenaireyna?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kenaireyna333?mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@kenaireyna
- SoundCloud: https://on.soundcloud.com/HGTxaoqSoyEpkPhB9
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5CZWi834pQQNyQJQ9FPi0O?si=-SICdpZNQhmVtD1Yw-MB8A
Image Credits
@waynes_world_travels
