Keznamdi is taking his post-Grammy momentum up another notch. As the Jamaican reggae star commences work on his third studio album, he has added a major hip-hop connection to his upcoming BLXXD & FYAH LIVE U.S. Tour, with GZA of the legendary Wu-Tang Clan joining the New York leg. The announcement comes during a defining period for Keznamdi, whose Grammy triumph, renewed environmental activism, Barclays Center appearance and growing U.S. profile have positioned him for one of the biggest chapters of his career yet. The New York finale is scheduled for October 15, following stops in San Francisco, San Diego, Los Angeles and Philadelphia. Recent tour information identifies the New York performance as taking place at Brooklyn Bowl.
The addition of GZA gives Keznamdi’s Live Nation-backed tour a significant crossover dimension, bringing together two artistes from musical worlds deeply connected by Jamaican culture, lyrical consciousness and sound-system influence. GZA, widely regarded as one of hip-hop’s most respected lyricists and a founding member of the iconic Wu-Tang Clan, joins a tour built around Keznamdi’s Grammy-winning album BLXXD & FYAH. Keznamdi described himself as “honoured” to have the hip-hop legend involved, while also expressing excitement about the special artistes, selectors and friends joining him on the road.
The tour arrives just over a year after the release of BLXXD & FYAH, which propelled Keznamdi to his first Grammy Award for Best Reggae Album. Since then, the “Forever Grateful” hitmaker has continued building momentum through live performances, including a cameo appearance during Masicka’s headline concert at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center, while his advocacy work has also generated fresh attention. Keznamdi’s music featured prominently in Beach Inna Bondage: The Fight for Jamaica’s Coastline, the documentary collaboration with the Jamaica Beach Birthright Environmental Movement, which has been nominated for Best Documentary at the inaugural Caribbean Film Awards.
Meanwhile, Keznamdi has confirmed that he has begun work on his third studio album, although details surrounding its title, sound and release date remain under wraps. With GZA now added to the New York finale, a Grammy-winning album behind him and new music already taking shape, the upcoming U.S. tour could prove to be more than a celebration of Keznamdi’s breakthrough. It may be the bridge between the career-defining success of BLXXD & FYAH and the beginning of an entirely new era.
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