By Jonel Juste for Art Links
Louikencia Jean Doriscan, known by her stage name Kencie, has just released a new single with powerful and thought-provoking lyrics titled “Fake Friends.” The Haitian-born artist, who initially began her artistic journey as a painter and poet, has seamlessly transitioned into the world of rap.
In a candid interview, the multitalented artist opens up about her journey from being a painter and poet to becoming a rapper. Kencie shared insights into her creative process, the inspiration behind her latest single and her mission as an artist.
With a passion for conveying meaningful messages through various artistic mediums, Kencie says she uses her music to address various issues in the American society in which she currently evolves.
Kencie’s artistic evolution has been marked by a seamless transition from poetry and painting to the dynamic realm of music. She describes this progression as a natural continuation of her quest to communicate a powerful message to her audience. “The message I have now can only be communicated through rap, which is a kind of protest music,” she explains. “I can address issues such as racism, police brutality, poverty, and inequality.”
Uninterested in fame for its own sake, Kencie is committed to using her music as a platform to connect with people on a deeper level. “I don’t care about being famous or not. Of course fame would help me share my message, but I want to talk to the people first. If it can change a life that means a lot to me,” she asserts.
Kencie’s previous song, “Kouri avè m (Run with me),” aimed to awaken black consciousness and highlight issues affecting her community. Despite encountering challenges with delivering messages in her music, Kencie is content that her message still resonated with her audience. “The main thing is that the message got through, I’m satisfied with that,” she states.
Her latest single, “Fake Friends,” delves into the theme of betrayal. Reflecting on her own experiences, Kencie expresses that the song was born out of a need to address the presence of superficial relationships in her life. “When I wrote ‘Run with me,’ it was so that I could see who was with me. The reality shows me who is walking in the spirit of solidarity, who is a hypocrite. Now I see the need to create the ‘Fake Friends’ song,” she explains.
Kencie’s personal experience with betrayal left a profound impact on both her emotional well-being and her artistic expression. “It had a big impact because it caused me to lose confidence in people,” she shares. “Emotionally, it makes me not want to live with people. Artistically, I share it as an experience that people can sing, people can learn from, people can hear.”
The healing power of music is not lost on Kencie. She found catharsis in writing and performing “Fake Friends.” “When I perform it for the victims of fake friends, the facial expressions show me how much they appreciate the music. They are victims, but they are healing,” she acknowledges.
Kencie’s unapologetic approach to her music has not gone unnoticed. “Fake Friends” has garnered significant attention and engagement, resonating with listeners who have encountered similar situations. Kencie emphasizes that the song’s impact is rooted in its raw depiction of reality. “I say out loud things that many people don’t want to say, many people can’t say, things many people think without saying them,” she states.
As a young female artist, Kencie acknowledges the challenges she faces in the music industry, particularly striving for success. She encourages fellow young artists to challenge themselves and not rely solely on external figures for guidance. “Don’t always look up to somebody else because if that’s the case, you may be looking at a mirage,” she cautions.
Looking ahead, Kencie’s aspirations are rooted in activism and using her music as a platform for social change. “My goal is to progress in the movement that I am undertaking, being an activist…it gives me the means to make my voice heard and to speak for others. It’s the biggest tool I use to fight a system,” she asserted.
For Kencie, music is not just an outlet for expression; it’s a direct connection to society and a means to address its ills. “Music is an instrument, it is the music that makes me able to speak,” she asserts. “I have a direct connection with music and nature. The inspiration always comes according to the way of life and the reality of the society. I do the work of a sociologist. It is society that inspires me, I sing its reality, and rap music gives me the means to do just that”.
Through her raw and poignant lyrics, Kencie continues to use her music as a powerful force for change, shedding light on societal issues that demand attention and action.
“Fake Friends” is available on most platforms including YouTube, Spotify and Apple Music.
Photo credit: Louikencia Jean Doriscan
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