Kyonte' (pronounced Key-on-tay) creates quality yet timeless music relative to his personal experiences. Whether creating in the studio or getting up close and personal on stage,Kyonte' makes you listen. His energetic, soothing, uplifting, and soulful music will captivate you.
Growing up in Washington D.C., Kyonte' began singing at the age of three. By the age of ten, his ability to play the piano and construct melodies captivated the hearts of those he came in contact with. By the time he was a teenager, he was busy accompanying and performing at wedding, churches, and other events.
Kyonte's love of music shows in his list of great artists that influence his music such as Sam Cooke, Marvin Gaye, Prince, Bootsy Collins, Parliament, Donny Hathaway, Willie Hutch, Michael Jackson, Luther Vandross, Imogen Heap, Minnie Riperton, Nina Simone, Earth Wind and Fire, Bob Marley, Issac Hayes, and the list goes on.
Fueled by his passion for music, he began pursuing a career in music in 2001. In 2004, Kyonte' decided to pursue music full time. His performances at various venues on the East Coast, such as Cada Vez, Bar-Nun, Bohemian Caverns, MCCXIII (1223), the Arts Bank (UArts), Pontiac Grille, the Afr'Am Fest and the Black Family Reunion on teh mall in Washington D.C., allowed him to build a loyal following. Many loyal fans flock to see his performances at Zanzibar on the Waterfront, a hot club spot in Washington D.C.
A talented singer and songwriter, he is adding producer to his many lists of talents. In 2005, Kyonte' began working with super producer Chucky Thompson, Trakfire Productions, and PRS Musik. Through these impressive collaborations, in 2007 Kyonte' co-produced the Grammy-nominated single "Woman" by Raheem DeVaughn (Jive Records), co-wrote/co-produced "Lights Go Out" for Foxy Brown (Koch Records), and co-produced "Hearts Desire" for Brent Jones (EMI Gospel).
Kyonte' released his debut album, "831 Vol. 1: What's That Sound" in 2010 and collaborated with an exceptional team of writers and producers. His talent and dedication is sure to deliver a variety of quality songs that will only enhance his reputation of providing music that will captivate and inspire! One of the most well-rounded and delightful new faces in the music industry; Kyonte is sure to give you all the ear candy you can handle. He is eager to share his gifts, creations, and experiences with you.
831 Vol 1: What's That Sound?
Producer and songwriter Kyonte', recognized for his Grammy Nominated work with Rhaeem DeVaughn and Ledisi, steps from behind the writers table to release his debut album, "831 Vol.1: What's That Sound" on February 23, 2010. "831 Vol. 1: What's That Sound" depicts musc diversity at its best. This album is a must have that reflects Kyonte's songwriting ability to transcend life and love into the perfect musical melodies which speak to the soul. When you ask Kyonte' the true meaning of "831 Vol. 1: What's That Sound", he says Eight Letters, Three Words, One Meaning. A love that is reflective of body language, a passion that not only reflects the love of a person or a thing, but a zest for living and experiencing life.
Following in the footsteps of a host of his favorite musicians, "831 Vol. 1: What's That Sound", is the quintessence of listening pleasure, a musical compilation of life and love that brings the element of timeless music that reminds you of an eclectic blend of legends such as Prince, Luther Vandross, and Donny Hathaway all rolled into one. The albums lead single, "Body Shop" shows Kyonte's musical versatility with an up-tempo club banger about inviting an already perfect woman to his life or shop for display.
Things to Know:
A vocalist, pianist, songwriter, and producer, Kyonté is the very essence of soul in the 21st Century. With over 16 years of live performances, touring experience, and Grammy nominated production work, he is an artist to watch, history in the making. Kyonté has performed at some of the nation’s most renowned venues to include the legendary Blues Alley, The Carter Barron, The Lisner Auditorium, The Kennedy Center, and The Keswick Theater just to name a few. In 2010 he toured as a background vocalist with Grammy nominated R&B Artist Raheem DeVaughn, on the 2010 Budweiser Superfest 19 city Tour, and European Tours with both the USO and Raheem DeVaughn. Performances in Amsterdam, Copenhagen, Paris, Belgium and Germany to name a few.
Awards include the DC, MD, VA Entertainer of the Year and his song Body Shop was named Best Recording of the Year, and an array of other awards and competitions (2008-2010); TV Interviews with Tony Perkins and Alison Seymour on The Fox 5 Morning Show (2008, 2010); Interviews with KiKi Miller for World Vibe Radio, WOW Radio, Examiner.com, EURWeb, DMV Unplugged, Elite DC and a host of others. Film Soundtrack “Torn”, 2010 Sunjada Productions Independent Release. Awards: 2010 WHW Rocks Season 1 Winner, 2009 Velocity Magazine Award Winner, 2008 DC, MD, VA (DMV) Entertainment & Music Award Winner ; Writer/Production/Film: Soundtrack for 2010 Film "Torn" by Sunjada Productions in association with Vibrancy Media LLC; Grammy nominated R&B Artist Ledisi's Turn Me Loose project "Everything Changes" and "Trippin"; Grammy nominated R&B Artist Raheem Devaughn's Love Behind The Melody project "Woman"; Hip Hop Artist Foxy Brown's Brooklyn's Don Diva project "Lights Go 0ut"; Stellar Award winning Gospel artist Brent Jones Ultimate Weekend project "My Heart's Desire".
Videos for “What’s That Sound?” and “Body Shop”.
Cameo appearance in Raheem Devaughn's "Greatness".
Production/Writing Credits:
•2010 Faith Evans Something About Faith CD (R&B) “Way You Move f/Snoop Dogg”, “Worth It”, and “Your Lover”
•2010 Ledisi Turn Me Loose CD (R&B) “Everything Changes” and “Trippin”
•2008 Foxy Brown Brooklyn’s Don Diva CD (Hip-Hop) “Lights Go Out”
•2008 Brent Jones Ultimate Weekend CD (Gospel) “My Heart’s Desire”
•2007 Raheem Devauhn Love Behind The Melody CD (R&B) “Woman”
