Kenke

Kenke isn’t trying to be louder than everyone else. She’s not chasing spectacle, nor is she in a hurry to keep up with the relentless pace of the industry. Instead, the Afro-Soul singer is leaning into something far more powerful: stillness, honesty, and belief. Her EP, Ordinary Is Spectacular Enough, is a quiet manifesto that celebrates simplicity while carrying the emotional weight of lived experience.

The idea for the project’s title emerged from a casual but meaningful conversation. Kenke recalls speaking with a friend about how quickly life seems to be moving and how easily people overlook the small things that truly matter. “We were talking about how the world seems to be moving so fast and how people don’t seem to love the little things anymore,” she says. The phrase stayed with her because it mirrored her own journey. “Most of my experiences are what most people will consider ordinary or simple. But the simple things of life are sometimes the most beautiful. I think it’s enough to be who you are, in your most ordinary state.”

That philosophy sets the emotional tone for the EP, beginning with “Only One,” a song grounded in faith and resilience. For Kenke, spirituality is not a theme she visits occasionally; it is the foundation of her life and art. “My fellowship with God is the foundation for my life. I owe my music to God,” she explains. Navigating the music industry, with its constant opinions and expectations, tested that foundation, especially while writing the song. “I wrote it at a time when everyone seemed to have an opinion on how I should navigate my music and the industry,” she says. “For me, the loudest voice should be God’s voice. You can’t go wrong with that.”

Emotional honesty is a recurring thread across the EP, most poignantly on “I’m Sorry,” a song born from heartache and the painful act of letting go. Sharing such vulnerability wasn’t something Kenke fully anticipated. “I did not realize how difficult it would be until it was released and I had to talk about the inspiration behind it,” she admits. Yet, despite the discomfort, the song took on a life of its own through listeners. “I feel blessed that something I created can mean so much to people and help with their healing journey.”

That same raw emotion carries into “How Do I,” a track that feels like a personal conversation about healing and closure. When Kenke finds herself in that fragile emotional space, she doesn’t rush the process. “I allow myself to feel all the emotions,” she says. “I lean heavily into prayers and people who love me and understand what I’m going through in that moment.” Healing, she believes, requires patience and belief. “It’s not an easy space to be in. There’s no one way to handle it, but I think ultimately I try to be patient with myself and believe that it will pass. That belief alone is the starting point to getting back to the light.”

Afro-Soul thrives on storytelling, and Kenke’s sound is shaped by sincerity rather than performance. She believes her music resonates because it comes from a place of truth. “I’m always writing what I believe. I write what I feel,” she explains. That vulnerability, especially on this EP, creates a shared emotional experience. “There’s always going to be someone who can relate as well. With this EP, there was a lot of vulnerability. People feel it too. Perhaps that’s what sets me apart.”

Despite early accolades such as the Kola Award and PEPSI Award, Kenke remains detached from the idea of external validation. “I don’t really care for awards,” she says candidly. For her, recognition is simply a byproduct of meaningful work. “When you focus on making timeless art, a lot of things naturally follow—recognition, awards, and all that.” Her focus now is singular and sincere. “What I really want right now is for the world to hear my music. That’s all.”

Looking ahead, Kenke is stepping into a new season centered on performance and connection. “I love to perform, so that’s my focus in this next season,” she shares, revealing plans for a live show in 2026. She’s also open to collaborations with artists she admires, both within and beyond music. With calm confidence, she adds, “I’m very excited for the future. It’s bright indeed.”

With Ordinary Is Spectacular Enough, Kenke reminds listeners that authenticity doesn’t need embellishment. Sometimes, the most powerful stories are the ones told gently and truthfully.