Born in North-East London, Kianja was raised on a musical diet of Soul, Reggae and Jazz. Her obsession for songwriting and performing began at aged 12 before moving to Durban, South Africa for three years as a teenager. Embracing a new culture, her love affair with Jazz took hold and she began to hone her songwriting craft. A few years later she returned to London, where she attended the coveted Brit School, Tomorrow's Warriors and then Guildhall (where she studied Jazz), all alongside writing and producing her original material in her bedroom.

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Her undeniable talent and hard work brought the young Londoner overwhelming critical support. Her debut EP ‘Glory’ led to support across BBC Radio 1, Rinse FM and 1Xtra and a feature with Bastille and Craig David on a cover of En Vogue’s, ‘Don’t Let Go’. Kianja’s independent releases (since 2023) have been featured on New Music Friday and several other Spotify playlists, as well as M&S and Body Shop national in store playlists. She has had BBC 1xtra and BBC Radio airplay several times throughout 2023 and 2024.

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Her impeccable live performances also earned her a personal recommendation from Nile Rodgers to perform at Meltdown Festival at the London Southbank. She’s also performed at some of London’s premiere venues including Ronnie Scotts, Colors Hoxton and Royal Festival Hall. 2024 shows include: Cafe Koko, All Points East Festival, Somerset House on The Strand, We Out Here Festival, Koko Ellens Room. Kianja has also been touring (2024 UK dates) with Jordan Rakei as a backing vocalist (Glasto, Love Supreme, Royal Albert Hall).

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Throughout 2024, Kianja will be releasing her 4th EP, a project about stepping into womanhood, confronting trauma and drawing boundaries. She describes her sound as a melting pot of all her influences - R&B, Soul, Jazz and Reggae are usual base ingredients. Kianja writes honest and relatable lyrics with singable hooks. “I like to make music that feeds both the musician in me and the little girl from North London singing karaoke in her room.” Kianja says.