Kenz Desai, born 22nd April, a 29 year old, originally from Gujrat India. Now living in North Carolina, USA.
Whilst growing up in Zambia, he was keen to take on anything musical as a very young child. Proving to be a musical prodigy when he started playing Indian film tunes on a battery operated organ at the age 5.
Kenz’s father, an idol in his eyes; who was a recording artist/singer/writer.30 years on his fathers songs still get airplay on radio and functions. At a tender age of 14 Kenz was already showing signs that he was on his way to follow in his fathers footsteps.
Nearly every style of musical instrument was to hand whilst Kenz was growing up. His first performance was at the age of 6 when he performed for National TV in his fathers band playing the bongos. Kenz grew up performing to packed housed on a regular basis so stage fright was not in this guys vocabulary. Keen to keep it musical, at the age of 14, he became a music director to an all-kids band called ‘Sargam’ who performed on National TV and stage.
Kenz was to stumble onto something which would change his musical life totally in another dimension when in 1985, he was loaned a keyboard by a friend for a weekend. Boy, did he make the most of that weekend, no sleep, no food, no nothing… just experimenting with this awesome top of the range keyboard he had just laid his hands on. It was here, Kenz and his sister began singing ghazals and filmi tunes. Kenz realised then which way his career was going to turn.
Putting his musical career aside to finish off his studies in America was a reluctant choice but parental pressure took precedence. His college acquired a recording studio, Kenz was in his element! He became the in-house DJ for the college and his popularity grew. His dorm room was often found completely packed with the latest musical equipment. He went onto receiving a standing ovation from college staff and students for his performances.
1990 kenz and his family moved to North Carolina and for the next five years he struggled to combine producing music, performances, studying and working. But he still managed to produce two albums, ‘A Thousand Times’ and ‘Young Blood’ remakes of old Bollywood films. However a couple of the songs were original, one written by Kenz and the other by his sister.
New years eve, 1999, Kenz gets an interview with Internationally acclaimed DJ/Producer, Bally Sagoo. Noticing the ability of Kenz, Sagoo invited Kenz to the UK to work and produce and album for his label, Ishq Records. Kenz spent six months under the supervision of Bally Sagoo. With a recording studio at his finger tips there was no stopping him now. Creating a whole new style of music which he had never touched on before. Whilst having a free rein at Ishq Recording studios, his key boarding talent was soon put to use onto some of Bally Sagoos’ albums, including award winning Bollywood Flashback 2 which went Platinum.
Equipped with his new style of production, his debut album ‘Bootlegged’ will now put him on another level.
Kenz has a vision, he has a dream of fulfilling his dreams of becoming someone and make a mark in life and be remembered for it.
Kenz