Kenna Zemedkun, a multifaceted American artist, philanthropist, and curator, has garnered widespread recognition and acclaim throughout his career.
His initial foray into the music scene was marked by the release of his debut single "Hell Bent," which quickly gained a devoted underground following eagerly anticipating the arrival of his debut album, New Sacred Cow.
The album, co-produced by Chad Hugo of The Neptunes, deftly blended elements of electronica, synth pop, post rock, and house music, yielding a unique sonic landscape that resonated with fans worldwide.
The album's singles, "Sunday After You" and "Freetime," received extensive airplay on MTV and MTV2, with the latter's music video, along with "Hell Bent," becoming staples of the networks' rotation.
"Freetime" reached a respectable #19 on the U.S. Dance charts, earning Kenna two MTV VMA nominations in the process.
Kenna's sophomore effort, Make Sure They See My Face, was also co-produced by Hugo, showcasing the artist's continued growth and evolution as a musician.
However, it was his philanthropic endeavors that truly set him apart. Upon learning about the global water crisis affecting his native Ethiopia, Kenna was compelled to take action, spearheading the Summit on the Summit project.
In January 2010, Kenna joined forces with friends Lupe Fiasco, Jessical Biel, Emile Hirsch, and others to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro, raising awareness about the water crisis and its devastating impact on communities worldwide.
The expedition garnered widespread media attention, featuring in prominent outlets such as People magazine, Outside, E!, MTV, and Larry King, among others.
As a token of his commitment to the cause, Kenna released a new song, "Turn," as a free download on his official MySpace page, followed by an iTunes release, with proceeds from the sales donated to the Summit on the Summit project.
The documentary chronicling the climb aired on MTV on March 14, 2010, with none other than Justin Timberlake serving as host.
Throughout his career, Kenna has demonstrated a remarkable ability to balance his artistic pursuits with his passion for philanthropy, making him a true standout in the music industry.
