More about: Downtown Kayoto

UK R&B/hip-hop artist Downtown Kayoto has been busy. Ever since the release of his EP ‘Navig8’, a project as luscious and soulful as it is sonically eclectic, he’s been using his time wisely, working with a steady stream of collaborators to craft the next chapter of his swift ascent, all the while asking what type of artist he wants to be.

“I’ve been asking myself what type of artist and creative I want to be and identify my values and build myself around those values,” he explains of the creative process, “all the while carving a spot for my stuff to live in in the industry”.

Downtown Kayoto is the moniker of hull-based songwriter Chiko Chinyadza, a Zimbabwean native who has called the UK home since he was four years-old. He’s spent the past six years releasing a blend of classic neo-soul with traditional R&B, hip-hop, house and electronica stylings. Unwilling to be tied down to a specific genre, Downtown Kayoto made it his mission to release a track under each and any genre he sees fit since the release of his 2017 debut ‘Sauce’. “The biggest thing I found coming up was watching other people and comparing myself, and people not having their resources on display but had their achievements on display,” he explains of his decision not to delete some of his older tracks which, he admits, he is no longer the biggest fan of.

“It’s crucial for people who come from a background similar to mine or not from London to see artists who are dropping good quality music and can go back into the archives and see how they’ve grown and developed”. 

With more music on the horizon, as well as a dedication to building collective spirit around his music, it’s an exciting time in Downtown Kayoto’s young career. Expectations are high, but if there’s one person unafraid of bending such expectations to his will, it’s him. 

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More about: Downtown Kayoto