We see so many synthetically created musicians these days that sometimes a natural evolution is a refreshing change. As a young artist in South Africa, Meri Ké, or Meri Kenaz as she is now known, is showing continual growth. Not only is her music maturing and creeping into the hearts of audiences seeking sincerity and openness, but she claims her “music is taking [her] on exciting journeys and stimulating personal growth” as well.
It only seems fit that her name should reflect her artistic expression, and once you listen to her songs, it all makes a lot more sense. She sings openly about the journeys and “personal growth” she experiences, and comments on the human drama, urging the listener to become more aware of their own truth. And to this sentiment, her name, Kenaz, which is what Ké stood for in the first place, also rings true. Kenaz has its origins in northern Europe and more specifically the "Elder Futhark", an ancient Runic alphabet system. It means torch or light: the power to create your own reality, the power of light. Meri Kenaz says “using the full version of Kenaz has opened me up to the truth behind my name, and brought me more in touch with its power”.
With a full album (In a Moment, released under the name Meri Ké) under her belt, and new recordings on the horizon, Meri Kenaz seems to be going from strength to strength. Her tours with internationally acclaimed Blues artist, Dan Patlansky, as well as her own tours are bringing her music to more audiences than ever before. With only a short while in the music industry, she has already appeared on national television, SABC2’s Morning Live program, and local and national radio shows such as The Movement on Radio 2000 with Angela Ludek. Staying true to her name, Meri Kenaz is in fact creating her own musical reality, and lighting up audiences while doing so.
