Biography
Kelela Mizanekristos, born June 6, 1983, in Washington, D.C., to Ethiopian parents, began her musical journey in fourth grade learning violin and singing. She attended Montgomery College before transferring to American University, where she performed jazz standards at local cafés. In 2008, she joined the indie band Dizzy Spells, singing progressive metal alongside guitarist Tosin Abasi, whom she dated. Without formal vocal training, she moved to Los Angeles in 2010 to pursue music full-time, initially working as a telemarketer and call center employee while experimenting with styles from jazz and neo-soul to electro-R&B.[1][2][3][4][6]
Fun Facts
- Quit her telemarketer job in 2012 to focus on music after recording early songs for Cut 4 Me.[1]
- A car crash in an unspecified year led to gigs with Solange and a profitable insurance cheque, marking a turning point.[2]
- Her debut mixtape Cut 4 Me marked the first time Fade to Mind/Night Slugs producers used vocals on club tracks, blending grime influences.[1]
- Take Me Apart (2017) was added to the 2018 edition of 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die.[3]
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Prince William (Fade to Mind) - Introduced her to Fade to Mind and Night Slugs labels, shaping her early sound (Cut 4 Me mixtape) [2012-2013]
- Total Freedom - Key connection through Fade to Mind collective influencing her production style (Cut 4 Me) [2012-2013]
Key Collaborators
- Teengirl Fantasy - Featured vocalist leading to Fade to Mind introduction (EFX on Tracer album) [2013]
- Kingdom - Production and featured track (Bank Head, Cut 4 Me mixtape) [2012-2013]
- Solange Knowles - Compilation feature and live gigs (Go All Night on Saint Heron) [2013-2016]
- Tosin Abasi - Bandmate and former partner in indie band (Dizzy Spells) [2008]
- Danny Brown - Featured collaborations (Submission, From the Ground on Atrocity Exhibition) [2016-2017]
Connection Network
External Links
Tags: #alternative-r&b, #grime, #pbr&b
References
Heard on WWOZ
Kelela has been played 2 times on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 6, 2026 | 00:43 | Contactfrom Raven | Adjacentw/ Benny Poppins | |
| Sep 30, 2025 | 00:26 | Truth Or Darefrom Take Me Apart | Adjacentw/ Benny Poppins |