From the classical school benches to SafeLab, KenFS remains faithful to his passion for Rap. This musical genre allows him to empty his emotions and share them with the world. Rap is the very expression of his struggles and his victories. Let’s discover the inspiring journey of a poet who weaves his story through each beat of his music as well as it tells his life.
Born Saint-Fleur Kendy, he is the first born in a Christian family of five children and proudly proclaims his faith. Young Kendy spent his years of classical training in Port-de-Paix. Following the death of his mother, he saw a scholarship for Venezuela disappear, then, following a prison experience, he abandoned his university studies at the University of Valparaiso in Port-de-Paix. However, after his release, he realized that music was his preferred means of expression.
His history with rap
His musical heritage dates back to his father, a pastor passionate about music and composer of numerous evangelical songs. In this regard, KenFS confides that the majority of young people raised in the faith love music, which is omnipresent in their environment. Then as he grew up, he nurtured a passion for rap, shaped by his love of music and the influences of this booming musical genre during his adolescence. Rap, for KenFS, is not just a simple musical style; it is a channel through which he shares his experiences, conveys messages and establishes a connection with his audience. “M ap rakonte w istwa m pou w ekri pa w,” is one of the phrases he often repeats. After his release from prison, rap became his preferred medium to share his message, with many stories to tell, many truths to express.
As for his pseudonym, KenFS reveals that it was assigned to him by a philosophy classmate. Faced with their quest for names at the time, the comrade merged “Ken” from Kendy and the initials “F, S” from Saint-Fleur to form the name. Initially perceived lightly, he finally adopted it during his immersion in rap.
His major influence comes from Youssoupha whom he discovered during his prison stay, appreciating what Youssoupha tells through his music, particularly about the loss of his mother. The one who later mourned the death of his mother in “Vin wè w manman” then felt deeply touched by the themes addressed by the French rapper. This connection with Youssoupha, which he perceives through style, flow and skills, has reinforced him in his artistic path. Furthermore, KenFS also explores various musical trends, such as soul, pop, compass, jazz, reggae, thus nourishing his music-loving soul.
A rich discography and enriching collaborations
Until now, his career in rap is distinguished by a rich discography with strong lyrics full of poetry. Singles such as “N ap soti Lwen,” his first track after his release from prison, and “Goodbye” marked his debut, while other projects consolidated his presence in the Haitian rap scene. These include his mixtape “Plandattaq” released in 2016, comprising 18 tracks, then “Reskape” in 2018, comprising 18 tracks, “More proud than ever” in 2020 with 15 tracks, and also the album “Panda” in 2023, offering 20 tracks. His latest single, “100,000 mo”, follows an EP “RAS” released in December, while he devotes himself to preparing his next album.
KenFS is delighted with his collaborations with various artists, most of whom were selected by the Powèt Revòlte collective of which he was a part. Working with renowned artists and bands such as Zomò and Rockfam has been an honor he cherishes, while remaining true to his principles. Indeed, his collaboration with the Delmas group constitutes a notable moment, because being featured on an album by Rockfam, one of the two biggest rap groups at the time, represents, in his eyes, an incredible opportunity.
Furthermore, his collaboration with Knaggs, MagicTouch and other beatmakers is also of great importance to him. These collaborations, which occurred after the release of “Reskape”, were enriching experiences, proving the undeniable impact of this single. KenFS also talks about the joy of having been able to work with other producers such as Filip, Jay and G-Black; an experience that he loves and that he continues today with Jay.
Said vision you rap
From the height of his years of musical career, Ken FS takes a critical look at the evolution of rap, while remaining optimistic about its future. He believes in rap’s ability to resist fleeting trends and remain relevant, despite the challenges of today’s music market. Without tongue in cheek, he affirms that rap as he knew it has visibly declined, because rappers do not produce enough. Currently popular genres, such as Drill and Trap, are largely capturing the attention of young people instead. He explains that his album “Panda”, entirely dedicated to pure rap, was an attempt to get back on track. He also addresses the current ups and downs that the rap movement is undergoing in another way, pointing the finger at the media and bloggers who do not always promote the dissemination of what deserves it, above all cultivating a clannish spirit.
For KenFS, music is not just a profession; it is its essence, a mirror of its past and a projection of its future. Despite all his trials, including the loss of his mother, KenFS finds in music a refuge, a way forward.
One of the most memorable moments of his career was after the release of “Reskape”, a magical moment which symbolized a victory for the entire Powèt Revòte collective which advocated the text, at a period where above all the commercial side took precedence. Touched by his writing and his message, his loyal supporters called Panda, often honor him by offering him portraits and medals. Gestures that touch him deeply.
Today, KenFS is working on his third album scheduled for 2025. He has also embarked on a new adventure with the creation of his own label, Safelab, promising to bring new life to the music community in Haiti. Indeed, Safelab is this new label that he set up and which has already taken under its wings several artists who will soon give their news.
Source : Celebrity Magazine
