All the hard work I did over the years is finally paying off – Lordkez on Sama win

A day after winning her very first SA Music Award (Sama) for R&B/Soul Album of the Year, songbird Lordkez was at the final day of the three-day event House of Vans in Braamfontein, Johannesburg.

The 25-year-old singer's performance came just a day after British-Nigerian rapper Little Simz staged a headlining act performing fan favourites such as Woman and Gorilla.

Real name Keziah Zoë Meyers, her performance teleported the cool kids of Braam into a soulful, yet soothing, trance.

“I feel blessed. It still feels unreal that I won a Sama. I was telling my mother that all the hard work I did over the years is finally paying off,” she said. 

“I only found out that I won when I was on the red carpet. I was with my team and my manager showed me the announcement on Instagram, all I was thinking was, ‘There is no way all of this is happening, I must be dreaming’. I was overjoyed. I don’t think I’ve ever experienced anything like that. I’m truly thankful for the love and support.”

Lordkez's name has garnered prominence in the local music scene as one the fast-rising musicians blazing up radio airwaves and digital streaming platforms with songs such as her 2021 hit Glory featuring Maglera Doe Boy and recent hit Water alongside singer Shekinah. 

With R&B making a big comeback, Lordkez is excited that she's leading the new wave of African artists to the genre forward with a local flare. 

“This was my first time performing at The House of Vans festival. I loved being among a group of immensely talented creatives,” she said.

“Some were skating, others were getting their tattoos done while others were enjoying a lovely time with their friends. It was wholesome being in such a uniquely curated space.” 

A kaleidoscope of creatives was spotted at the three-day festival. On Friday, performers such as Filah Lah Lah, K.Keed and Slow Poison left impressive lyricism looming in the air. Other acts included Internet Girlz, Uncle Partytime, Muzi, Marcus Harvey and Ebumnandi.

Stars such as Siyabonga “Scoop Makhathini” Ngwekazi, Ponahalo Mojapelo, Doowap and Nkuley Masemola were in attendance.

“I had so much fun on stage. I’m from Cape Town, so receiving all this love gave me goosebumps, I loved performing at House of Vans,” said K.Keed. 

“I can’t wait to come back again to the next one.”