MTV Brand New Artist Spotlight: Tkay Maidza
MTV Brand New is the youth brand’s new national competition which gives some of the hottest Australian and New Zealand artists the chanceto break internationally. TMN is featuring a nominated artist each week.
TKAY MAIDZA
(UMA)
With her fast rhymes and impeccable rhythm, Tkay Maidza is quickly catching on and spreading like wildfire. Born in Zimbabwe and raised in Adelaide, Maidza began rapping at age 17 after dropping out of architecture at the University of South Australia.
Frequently compared to the likes of M.I.A and Azealia Banks, the 19 year old is starting to hold her own with the overseas market. Her popularity surged after the release of her debut EP Switch Tape, which featured collaborations with producer SBTRKT and Night Slug member Bok Bok. Its single, Switch Lanes, was voted into the 2014 triple J Hottest 100. Performing at various festivals including Splendour in the Grass, the CMJ Music Marathon and St Jerome’s Laneway Festival, Maidza has collected a steady following here and overseas. So much that she caught the attention of US electronic producer MUST DIE!, who signed Maidza to Skrillex’s OWSLA label. Maidza is also featured on MUST DIE!’s latest album, Death & Magic. Most recently, Maidza’s latest single M.O.B peaked at number 6 on the ARIA Urban chart, marking her highest chart position to date.
It’s clear that even back home, fans can’t get enough of the pint-sized rapper’s blend of hip-hop, rap and electronic. Maidza has lapped up the success following her extended M.O.B national tour earlier this year, which completely sold out. Recently, she played at Groovin’ The Moo and was also the support act for Charli XCX on her Australian tour during April and May 2015. Maidza is now preparing for another festival season, as she is lined up to play at Splendour in the Grass this July.
VOTING IS CURRENTLY LIVE AT: mtv.com.au/brandnew.
Visit the website to view video clips and interviews with the artists before casting your vote for your favourite emerging star, either online or via Twitter using the hashtag #MTVbrandnew followed by the artists name.
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