Keiyaa facts for kids

Chakeiya Camille Richmond (born on July 28, 1992) is an American musician. She is known by her stage name, KeiyaA. She is a talented singer, songwriter, and even produces her own music. In 2020, she released her first album, Forever, Ya Girl, all by herself.

Early Life and Musical Roots

Chakeiya Camille Richmond grew up in Chicago, Illinois. She lived on the south side of the city. As a child, she sang in the Chicago Children's Choir.

When she was in seventh grade, she started playing the alto saxophone. KeiyaA was inspired by many different artists. These included soul singers like Chaka Khan and Patrice Rushen. She also loved jazz musicians such as John Coltrane and Miles Davis. R&B groups like SWV were also big influences.

Finding Her Own Path

KeiyaA also found inspiration in other music styles. She enjoyed goth and alternative rock bands. Some of these were Nirvana and Siouxsie and the Banshees.

She went to college to study jazz and play the alto sax. She attended both the University of Illinois at Chicago and Columbia College. However, she decided to leave college. It was hard to balance school with working full-time. She also felt the music program was too strict. Soon after, she chose to focus on music as a career.

Music Career

Before becoming a solo artist, KeiyaA played the alto sax. She worked with other musicians in Chicago. These included artists like Noname and Vic Mensa. Later, she decided to focus on her own music. She started producing and singing R&B and electronic music.

First Steps in Music

In July 2015, she released her first collection of songs. It was called WORK. She used the name Keiya for this release. These Days magazine described her music as "emotional" and "optimistic."

Soon after, she moved to New York. She added an extra "A" to her name, becoming KeiyaA. This helped her stand out from other artists online.

Debut Album Success

KeiyaA's first full album, Forever, Ya Girl, came out in March 2020. She produced it herself under her own label, Forever Recordings.

Critics really liked the album. KEXP said it had "powerful mantra-esque lyrics." Esquire magazine called her sound "smooth R&B." Pitchfork gave the album a high rating. They praised its "resolute realness." Forever, Ya Girl was named one of the best albums of 2020. It appeared on lists from Pitchfork, Rolling Stone, and The Guardian.

In February 2021, she performed a special concert. It was for NPR's Tiny Desk Concerts series. She performed it from her home.

Personal Life

KeiyaA currently lives in Brooklyn, New York.