Kenya McGuire

Musician

Kenya is a soulful vocalist and songwriter whose jazz-infused style has earned her devoted audiences in both the U.S. and U.K. Though she spent more than a decade focused on her roles as a clinician, educator, wife, and mother, a deep spiritual awakening and renewed sense of purpose eventually led her back to music.

Her debut album, My Own Skin, released on her label KenyaMJ Music, became a breakout success—reaching #1 on the UK Soul Chart for four consecutive weeks and topping multiple other U.K. soul and radio charts. Rooted in influences ranging from Billie Holiday and Grover Washington Jr. to Stevie Wonder, Minnie Riperton, and ’80s pop, Kenya blends jazz, soul, and contemporary grooves into a sound uniquely her own.

Her singles have charted on Billboard and SiriusXM, and she has collaborated with artists such as Kloud 9, Brandon McKenzie, and Malik Yoba. Kenya’s songwriting often explores identity, love, empowerment, and social justice, with powerful works like “Brown Soul” reflecting her experience as a mother of two Black sons.

Born in Denver and trained from an early age in choirs, jazz ensembles, theater, and classical voice, Kenya originally pursued careers in physical therapy and counseling before realizing music was her true calling. After releasing two EPs and opening for artists like Lalah Hathaway, Rachelle Ferrell, and Raul Midón, she embraced her path fully—guided by faith, spiritual growth, and the conviction that her purpose is to use her music as a voice for healing and transformation.

“My music mirrors my own journey,” she says. “It’s spiritual, it’s evolving, and it comes from trusting God and taking a leap of faith.”

No current retreats available