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Kinami is an Okinawan singer-songwriter based in London, creating alternative R&B and soul-pop rooted in soulful storytelling, groove and unapologetic self-expression. Growing up in Okinawa, surrounded by its strong sense of community, nature and traditional music, while also absorbing Western pop, R&B and soul, shaped an artistic identity that has always existed between worlds. Now stepping into a bolder, more instinctive era, Kinami blends sultry vocals, deep grooves and infectious pop hooks with a playful edge. Her music explores desire, self-worth, liberation and the messy process of becoming more yourself. |
alternative R&B / soul pop
My previous releases have leaned more into indie-pop and indie-rock, with guitar-driven production and dreamy textures. My new sound moves into alternative R&B and soul-pop, bringing more groove, warmth and attitude while keeping the same emotional honesty. It blends soulful vocals with the bounce and playfulness of 2000s R&B and infectious pop melodies. In a way, it feels like a return to the side of me that first fell in love with music.
Tell us about you early music memories and when you knew you wanted to pursue music:
I remember listening to my parent’s 80’s hit CD compilations and looking through the foldable CD booklets studying the artwork and lyrics. And I loved sitting in the passenger seat on drives and getting to pick CDs, rolling the windows down and singing with my hair in the wind. It’s where I felt most free and I knew from then that music was going to be an ever present experience in my life. Then when I was 15, I auditioned for X Factor Okinawa and competing on that show was really what showed me the possibilities of music and where it could take me.
How does your heritage impact your art?
My Okinawan lineage and upbringing truly grounded me and instilled in me from a young age that music is communal, spiritual and physical. That singing and dancing is a service of joy and that’s always stuck with me through the evolution of my artistry.
What moment are you most proud of in your music journey so far?
Finding my voice.
Your next music goal:
For my audio world to transpire into other realms of art. I’m excited for my music to be seen, smelled, tasted, and touched too. I take in music as moments, so decorating memories in life with it is such an exciting concept to me.
If you could collaborate with anyone, who and why?
Jill Scott and Tyler, The Creator. I really appreciate artists who have humility and joy at the forefront. Everything they express radiates of realness and truth because of that, and it’s real inspiring to watch them be unapologetically themselves and celebrate life knowing it.
A song that has shaped you:
- Nadasousou by Rimi Natsukawa/BEGIN
This was my first go-to karaoke song as a kid and I remember feeling embarrassed cause it was too deep for a 5 year old to be singing hahaha But it was truly the first song I ever sang that I felt deeply connected to.
- Zion by Lauryn Hill
This song’s recently given me a second shock of adolescence. I saw somewhere that said "women doing want they want to do is innately a political act." And that's the realest thing ever. Seeing and hearing stories of other women who have paved the way really helps me keep the fire going.
3 songs you're listening to right now:
Sight of me - day 10 by Ethan French
The Greatest Love of All by George Benson
I Believe - Yolanda Adams
Your community shout out:
@sailorr - because she’s just badass! (or such a baddie). I love when a woman is just being themselves and taking up the damn space! it makes me smile:)
Anything else you'd like to share:
I’m currently stepping into a new era of Kinami, and I can’t wait for the world to meet her. I’m also looking forward to playing more shows around London and beyond! hehe
fun fact: I used to work at a chilis. LMAO.
