Today we’d like to introduce you to Keithan Williams.
Hi Keithan, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My story begins in a small city on the perimeter of Atlanta, GA. It was definitely what would be considered a “grind”: I was working full time, going to school full time, I would come home and work on music in my bedroom every day, putting out songs and instrumentals, playing small bars and local venues. I cultivated a small following and became immersed in the city and the local art scene. Once I finished school, and especially after experiencing the effects of the COVID restrictions, I wanted to begin to branch out and explore and spend time in the world outside of my hometown. I was fortunate enough to have St. Louis as my current landing spot. Here, I am focused on spreading my message to the world through music, film, and photography, and I am in the best location to make that happen.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I would be lying if I said it has all been smooth, but that is a part of what makes the journey so enjoyable. It’s tough to leave a place where all of your family and friends are, especially to venture into a spot that is so unfamiliar. Still, I’ve come to appreciate unfamiliarity and enjoy the unknown as often as possible. Leaving home also put a stint in a few of the relationships I have had my entire life while fortifying the ones that matter. (Not to mention, the 13-hour drive was a struggle,) but I’ve found that you can accomplish anything with a strong support base.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Primarily, I am a rapper, singer, producer, and multi-instrumentalist named Kaffo, the Sensei combining elements of rap, jazz, soul, and punk. My music effortlessly blurs the lines of genres to create a music experience you will not find anywhere else. I have cultivated a loyal following and performed in many venues in the south, including Atlanta, Macon, Raleigh, and Nashville. My sound has been compared to the likes of Tyler the Creator, MF DOOM, Childish Gambino, Pharrell Williams, and Herbie Hancock, to name a few. In the music industry, it is encouraged to create art that will sell quickly, but I am proud that I can remain true to myself and create art that I am passionate about, and I know that will stand the test more than the next viral fad. Alternatively, I am a photographer and a cinematographer. I am forever a student of film greats such as Boots Riley, Ridley Scott, Stanley Kubrick, Bong Joon-Ho, and Spike Lee. My style is moody, artistic, and vintage, and a general vibe that is difficult to recreate and replicate.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs, or other resources you think our readers should check?
One podcast I have been obsessed with lately is Make Art Not Content by The Mystery School. They conceptualize modern art in a down-to-earth way that resonates with me, and they give food for thought about the process, the industries I am involved in, and the “real-life aspects” of it all.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://kaffodigital.mypixieset.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kaffothesensei/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@kaffothesensei3316
- SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/kaffo
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/kaffo.digital/
