Today we’d like to introduce you to KZ.SMOOVE.
Hi KZ, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Spoken Word always called me, from my early years of winning writing contests, to intricate break downs of poems that followed me for years. Spoken word carried me all the way to my professional career.
I started moldable to the process, fresh, understanding. My first show booked was through the vouch of another friend of mine. The year I knew I wanted to take spoken word seriously I went to an open mic in Nashville TN. During the night one of my friends said “If I build courage to sing a song, you build courage to recite a poem” I said “bet!” By the end of the night, I recited over 9 poems, one artist would go – they would call me back up – another artist – then me again, this continued too much for me not to notice that this wasn’t just the spare of the moment, this was seeps of my calling peaking through a wall that I would eventually knock down.
Shortly after, walking down a stair case (Ironic to me) I spoke to a friend in passing, after speaking, they later told me they told ANOTHER friend of theirs how dope my poetry is and that they were in attendance the night of the open mic I mentioned earlier. Shortly after, I heard someone yell “WAIT!” While running back up the stairs. After a brief conversation, they said they overheard someone bragging about my skills and that they wanted to book me to perform for a centennial event. My first booked show, a centennial anniversary event on the top floor of a fancy candle lit night, snow-balling me towards my calling.
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?
Many parts of this journey has been smoove. When you actually accept where God sees you in your life, others can see it on you, they can look at you and say “that fits him.” Through my turmoil I have had unwavering support that works out all of the uphill battles I face on this journey of professionalism and discovery.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a professional spoken word artist, as well as a performing, recording, and visual artist. I utilize my skills through words and knowledge of delivery for voice acting, script writing, directing and creative marketing.
I am a screen and voice actor, set designer and creative director/ editor.
I am known for making spoken word enjoyable, lively, and vibrant. Bringing life to every microphone I touch. I usually say my favorite audience are those who are not always fond of spoken word, after hearing me I show them how “smoove” spoken word really can be!
I am most proud of being loud enough to represent myself, my journey, and my turmoil I’ve overcame. Not to be too sentimental but in some spaces when you did not grow up being listened to, having a space to be heard is like having the greatest gift re-wrapped to be gifted back to you – and you react like it’s the first time you have ever seen it. Now that I have this GIFT of mine, I am able to give it back to the rest of the world.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
I am a firm believer in Jesus Christ, One of the greatest risk takers I know.
Taking risks to me means going against the grain, to stand up in rooms everyone has grown comfortable sitting down in.
When you first experience a risk, your body will react, your palms will sweat, your heart will raise, your body KNOWS you’re about to do something risky. What is the risk factor? Friends? Stability? Judgement? If you feel pulled to break a standard, you are more than likely headed in the right direction.
When you receive these feelings, it could mean FIGHT OR FLIGHT, and a decision has to be made. When it is time to take that risk, you won’t remember the anxiety that came with choosing it. You have to trust that spiritual pull to go beyond and not look back after going for the gold.
Those who face risks have courage, they walk in courage, courage never said that you would not be worried, courage says that you are absolutely worried… and you do it anyway. When Jesus was praying in the garden, only hours before his arrest and crucifixion – he knew the fate that awaited Him, but He knew He would still bare that cross, and everything that came with it.
No matter what you face, if you know that is your road to travel, if you feel that feeling, tie up those laces. Take the risk.
Pricing:
- Custom Pieces discussed through email or social media
- Recording Features discussed through social media or email
- Performance Rates discussed through email or social media
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kz.smoove/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/993432220514760/
- Twitter: https://x.com/kz_smoove/status/2031763082280636564?s=46
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@KZ.SMOOVE
- Other: https://youtu.be/PBJ6tNEpyX0?si=bf2EIg0nwPwWIucT
