Kelela facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Kelela
Kelela in June 2018
Background information
Native name	ከለላ
Birth name	Kelela Mizanekristos
Born	(1983-06-04) June 4, 1983 (age 42) Washington, D.C., U.S.
Genres	Alternative R&B electronic R&G
Occupation(s)	Singer songwriter
Years active	2011–present
Labels	Warp Fade to Mind
Associated acts	Gorillaz

Kelela Mizanekristos (born June 4, 1983) is an American singer. She is known for her unique blend of R&B and electronic music.

Kelela started her music journey in 2013 with her first mixtape, Cut 4 Me. Two years later, she released an EP called .... This EP told the story of a relationship, but in a special way: it went backward in time. Her first full album, Take Me Apart, came out in 2017 and was loved by many. After a break, Kelela released her second album, Raven, in 2023.

Early life and education

Kelela Mizanekristos was born in Washington, D.C., on June 6, 1983. Her parents were from Ethiopia, making her a second-generation Ethiopian American. She grew up as an only child in Gaithersburg, Maryland.

When she was in fourth grade, Kelela started learning to play the violin. She also sang in her school's choir. After high school, she went to college. She later began singing jazz songs in cafés. In 2008, she joined an indie band called Dizzy Spells. She also sang progressive metal music for a while. In 2010, she moved to Los Angeles, where she still lives part-time.

Career

2012–2015: Cut 4 Me and ...

In November 2012, Kelela started working on her first mixtape. She had already recorded two songs. To focus on her music, she quit her job. After moving to Los Angeles, she met the group Teengirl Fantasy. She sang on their song "EFX" in 2013. This led her to meet Prince William from the Fade to Mind record label. He showed her the unique sound of his label and its sister label, Night Slugs.

In May 2013, Kelela was featured on Kingdom's song "Bank Head". Five months later, she released her mixtape Cut 4 Me for free. This mixtape was a new step for the producers, as it was their first time using vocals on their club tracks. One of her songs, "Go All Night," was part of an album by Solange Knowles. The mixtape was also influenced by grime music, a popular electronic style from the UK. It helped bring back a music style called rhythm & grime.

In December 2013, DJ Kitty Cash released a mixtape that included Kelela's song "The High." Kelela later released this song herself in February 2014. She also sang on Bok Bok's song "Melba's Call." Her EP ... came out in October 2015. This EP told the story of a relationship by going backward in time.

2016–2018: Take Me Apart

Kelela in 2014

In 2016, Kelela sang on songs for other artists. These included "A Breath Away" by Clams Casino and "From the Ground" by Danny Brown. She also sang on "Scales" for Solange's album. In February 2017, she performed at a music event in Miami. Later that year, she was featured on "Submission" with Danny Brown for Gorillaz's album Humanz. She also added vocals to their song "Busted and Blue."

On July 14, 2017, Kelela announced her first studio album, Take Me Apart. It was released on October 6, 2017. Before the album came out, she released four singles: "LMK", "Frontline", "Waitin", and "Blue Light". The album was highly praised by music critics. It even appeared on many "best albums of the year" lists. It was also included in the book 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die.

On September 12, 2018, Kelela announced Take Me a_Part, the Remixes. This album featured new versions of songs from her debut album. It included remixes by artists like Kaytranada and Serpentwithfeet. The remix album was released on October 5, 2018.

2022–present: Raven

On September 13, 2022, Kelela released "Washed Away." This was her first new song in five years. She also released a music video for it. On November 15, 2022, Kelela announced her second studio album, Raven. It was set to be released in early 2023. Other songs like "Happy Ending" and "On the Run" were released before the album.

Raven officially came out on February 10, 2023. On the same day, Kelela performed "Enough for Love" on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. The album featured collaborations with artists like Asmara and LSDXOXO. Raven explores themes of Black futurist art and electronic music. It draws inspiration from artists like Stevie Wonder and Aaliyah.

On November 10, 2023, Kelela was featured on PinkPantheress' album, Heaven Knows. She sang on the song "Bury Me." On December 6, 2023, Kelela announced her second remix album, Rave:N, the Remixes. This album features remixes of songs from her Raven album. It was released on February 9, 2024.

Discography

Studio albums

Remix albums

Mixtapes

Extended plays

Singles

Guest appearances

Images for kids

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  Kelela in 2014

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