For South African R&B artist, Skys a Blu, every new day brings with it an opportunity to create. From producing new beats, to putting pen to paper and pouring her soul into lyrics, the artist finds solace in music, in all its shapes and forms.
The singer’s latest single, ‘Met Under Stars’ is telling of this. Written about a special person in her life, the track is a more soulful 90s R&B play on Bonnie & Clyde’s ‘Ride or Die’.
She explains, “This was me promising this person that I’ll be there for the good and the bad times, through situations other people may have promised to stay, but never did.”
Though a very private person, her songs are a window to her soul, digging deep into the greater meaning of life and our experiences on earth. By exploring the depths of human emotion and relationships, she transcends traditional boundaries and becomes relatable to listeners across all genres.
She says, “The best and easiest way to get to know me is through my lyrics. I may not always write about my own life experiences but even the storytelling side of it has a level of vulnerability. I believe you can truly tell a person’s soul through their art form.”
With her music, Skys a Blu invites audiences to embrace vulnerability and openly express their deepest emotions. She also invites people to enjoy a less serious side to her music, hoping that her songs will provoke a happy euphoric feeling for its listeners, a sentiment that is also evident in her new single.
She explains, “I’m hoping, if anything, people can sing along. Sing it to your babies, dogs, pet lizard! Music is limitless and without boundaries, and I do my best to write that way too. So whichever way people can relate or find some kind of joy in the song, even if they just like the old school synth bass, I’m happy.”
Skys a Blu’s journey in the music industry has been marked by determination, resilience, and a relentless pursuit of artistic excellence. She started writing and recording songs from an early age, with her first make-shift studio in her parent’s kitchen, to egg container walled booths in her cupboard, and in no time finding her way into a professional recording studio.
From birth, her love for music and songwriting was palpable, and it has become her one true love.
“I knew all my life I wanted to be an artist,” she says. “I started to record and make my own songs when I was around 12-years-old, on this sound program I had. Before I was even singing properly, I was writing lyrics. Once I started writing, I never really stopped.”
The artist started her career as Kyla Nicole, and has undergone a stunning transformation over the years, emerging as a dynamic force in the music industry. She has enjoyed several chart-topping singles, from ‘Summer Rain’ to ‘Guiding Light’; ‘Feelings’ which debuted in the Top 10 Jazz/Soul releases on Apple, and ‘All around the World’ which took its royal seat at number 1 on YFM.
This evolution from Kyla Nicole to Skys a Blu signified a rebirth that brought forth a fresh and invigorating artistic vision.
She says, “When I started in the industry, my focus was songwriting. A stage name didn’t really feature in my mind. After a few years in, I knew I was ready for the change. That’s when Skys a Blu was born.”
The name is a play on words for ‘Skies are Blue’. It speaks of her love for the sky, space, moon and stars.
Shys a Blu explains, “You’ll hear a sky or space reference in nearly all my songs. It’s my little signature I guess. It is a deep, yet simple reminder that every day, no matter what, if you look up, the skies will always be blue. It grounds me and helps me keep things in perspective.”
The singer bears a tattoo that reads “For her mind wandered the skies and her soul was at rest in the music”.
This is a beautiful summation of her character, with her unwavering passion and commitment to her craft.
When asked what she’d like to achieve through her music, the rising star concludes, “I’d love to do for others, what music did for me growing up and still does. Sometimes your problems and challenges feel like yours alone and, to be able to relate or feel like someone out there actually gets it, that changes everything. Music is the biggest connection I have to people who aren’t with us any longer or memories from the past. It’s like opening up a photo album and looking back except with music it almost takes your heart and mind right back to the moment, the place and the time. To be able to deliver that happy, nostalgic or deep emotion is a gift.”
