K.Keed

Last updated

K.Keed
Born
Mihlali Koyana

Gugulethu, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
Origin Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
Genres Hip hop
Occupation
Years active2019–present
Labels

K.Keed (born Mihlali Koyana) is a South African hip hop artist and rapper. She began releasing music in 2019 and has since become a prominent figure in the South African rap scene, known for her aggressive delivery and collaborations with major local artists. Her notable releases include the 2022 EP ALTER-EGO and the 2025 album Bite the Bullet. [1]

Contents

Early life and education

Born as Mihlali Koyana, [2] K. Keed was born and raised in the township of Gugulethu, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa. [3] [4] From a young age, she was drawn to poetry and began writing her own rhymes while still at school, inspired by the local hip-hop scene in Cape Town’s townships. [1] In 2025, she graduated from university. [5]

Career

2019–2021: Breakthrough with “Similes” and Religion

K.Keed made her official recording debut in early 2019 with the single “Similes,” which garnered airplay on community radio and introduced her raw style to South African listeners. [1] On 15 December 2020, she released her first full project, the seven-track album Religion via 1529884 Records DK, showcasing her versatility across trap and lyrical Hip-Hop. [6]

2022: ALTER-EGO EP

On 26 February 2022, K.Keed dropped ALTER-EGO, an eight-track EP featuring collaborations with Blxckie, Dee Koala and Indigo Stella. Standout singles “Spazz” (with Dee Koala) and “Cid” cemented her reputation as a rising star of the Mother City. [7]

2023-present: Mainstream ascendancy

Artistry and influences

K.Keed blends township slang, trap-driven production and confessional lyricism. Critics note her “unorthodox flow” and ability to switch between hard-hitting bars and melodic hooks. She has cited the DIY ethic of Cape Town’s underground scene and international artists like Nicki Minaj and Cardi B as inspirations for her stage persona. [16] [17]

Awards and recognition

K.Keed has performed at The Boiler Room: Contemporary Scenes x Wear Broke [18] and has been featured in Redbat's Young & Dope campaign. [1] By the end of 2024, she was the most streamed female Hip-Hop artist in South Africa. [15] [19] In March 2025, K.Keed was featured as an artist for Apple Music's Rap Life Africa initiative. [20]

Record labels

K.Keed is currently signed to Gallo Record Company, Entertainment Lords, 1529884 Records DK and K.Keed Records.[ citation needed ]

Discography

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 Geqiwe, Anele. "K.Keed is an artist you shouldn't be sleeping on right now". GQ South Africa. Retrieved 20 May 2025.
  2. ↑ Yose, Yanga. "New kids on the block: Meet SA's rising stars in the music scene". GQ. Retrieved 16 January 2026.
  3. 1 2 3 Sithathu, Nomathamsanqa (22 November 1971). "Rapper K. Keed reveals star-studded lineup for debut album 'Bite the Bullet'". IOL . Retrieved 16 January 2026.
  4. ↑ Muchave, Carlos; Tiwane, Bonginkosi (13 October 2025). "WATCH: K.Keed reflects on her career, brand collaborations and life in Joburg vs Cape Town". The Citizen. Retrieved 16 January 2026.
  5. ↑ Banda, Clive (15 April 2025). "K.Keed Celebrates Graduation Milestone As She Continues Her Musical Ascent". SA Hip Hop Mag. Retrieved 16 January 2026.
  6. 1 2 R E L I G I O N by K.Keed on Apple Music, 15 December 2020, retrieved 14 March 2025
  7. ↑ King, Cedric (31 October 2023). "K.Keed 'Unpacking The Secrets To Her Success'". CEC. Retrieved 20 May 2025.
  8. ↑ "K.Keed on Apple Music". Apple Music - Web Player. Retrieved 20 May 2025.
  9. ↑ Keteyi, Oluthando. "Rappers Scumie, K Keed, and Buzzi Lee team up to create a new trap banger titled 'Bank Account'". IOL. Retrieved 16 January 2026.
  10. ↑ Banda, Clive (18 July 2024). "K Keed Finally Drops "YEAR 24" Featuring Nasty C". SA Hip Hop Mag. Retrieved 16 January 2026.
  11. 1 2 Lesiba (15 March 2025). "Apple Music Announces K.Keed As March's Featured Artist For Rap Life Africa". HYPE Magazine. Retrieved 20 May 2025.
  12. ↑ Lesiba (19 February 2025). "K.Keed Unveils Cover For 'Bite The Bullet' Album". HYPE Magazine. Retrieved 16 January 2026.
  13. ↑ Banda, Clive (19 February 2025). "K.Keed Unveils Official Artwork And Details For Debut Album 'Bite The Bullet'". SA Hip Hop Mag. Retrieved 16 January 2026.
  14. ↑ Adekunle, Joy (28 February 2025). "A-Reece appreciates K.Keed for making him a part of her debut album, 'Bite the Bullet'". FakazaNews. Retrieved 16 January 2026.
  15. 1 2 Seemela, Masego (9 December 2024). "K.Keed stepping up the rap ladder as the most streamed female hip-hop artist in 2024". Sowetan Live . Retrieved 14 March 2025.
  16. ↑ "K.Keed - Songs, Events and Music Stats". Viberate.com. Retrieved 20 May 2025.
  17. ↑ "An Exclusive Interview With K.Keed". Sneaker LAB. Retrieved 20 May 2025.
  18. ↑ briony@ceconline.co.za (31 October 2023). "K.Keed 'Unpacking The Secrets To Her Success'". CEC. Retrieved 14 March 2025.
  19. ↑ Seemela, Masego (10 December 2024). "K.keed stepping up rap ladder as most streamed female hip hop artist in 2024". Daily Dispatch. Retrieved 16 January 2026– via PressReader.com.
  20. ↑ Lesiba (15 March 2025). "Apple Music Announces K.Keed As March's Featured Artist For Rap Life Africa". HYPE Magazine. Retrieved 17 March 2025.
  21. ↑ Tx3 - Single by K.Keed on Apple Music, 25 September 2021, retrieved 14 March 2025
  22. ↑ Alter-Ego by K.Keed on Apple Music, 26 February 2022, retrieved 14 March 2025
  23. ↑ uMgaranto by K.Keed & Orish on Apple Music, 24 November 2023, retrieved 14 March 2025
  24. ↑ Mphande, Joy (11 December 2025). "K.Keed dominates the new age hip hop scene with 'Bite the Bullet (Deluxe)'". TimesLIVE. Retrieved 16 January 2026.
  25. ↑ "K. Keed released her latest single 'Stru', and fans love it". GQ. 30 November 1989. Retrieved 16 January 2026.
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