Kay Slice

Kay Slice is a Ghanaian-Dutch rapper, vocalist, multi-instrumentalist and producer whose music connects the sounds of West Africa with contemporary hip-hop, soul and jazz. Based in Rotterdam, he has developed a distinctive musical identity rooted in his Ghanaian heritage and shaped by his experiences as part of the African diaspora. Combining poetic rap, soulful melodies and vibrant rhythms, Kay Slice creates music that explores identity, self-discovery and the connection between Africa and its diaspora. His work brings together cultural storytelling and forward-thinking production, making him one of the distinctive voices in the Dutch live music scene.

Kay Slice’s musical style is built around a rich mix of influences. Growing up in the Netherlands, he found inspiration in American hip-hop and its storytelling tradition, while Ghanaian gospel and the music he encountered through his family connected him to his roots. Over time, he began bringing these influences together, incorporating highlife, Afrobeat, funk, soul and jazz into his sound. His performances often feature Ghanaian percussion, balafon and saxophone alongside sharp rap flows, warm harmonies and contemporary production. Artists such as Fela Kuti, Ebo Taylor and K. Frimpong have influenced his musical direction, while hip-hop acts such as Nas and Busta Rhymes helped shape his approach to lyrics and flow.

Before establishing himself as a solo artist, Kay Slice was part of the Rotterdam hip-hop collective Brandwerk, where he developed his skills as a performer and songwriter. His solo journey became a deeper exploration of his Ghanaian background and artistic identity, leading to his debut album From Back To Back in 2022. The project helped establish his reputation as an original voice in Dutch music, earning recognition including Best Album at the 2023 Sublime Awards. He went on to win the Audience Prize at the Dutch Jazz Competition in 2024 and Best Live Act at the Dordtse Popprijs that same year. His performances have taken him to major stages and festivals including North Sea Jazz, Eurosonic Noorderslag, Noorderslag and Super-Sonic Jazz.

Kay Slice’s connection with Vokall Records comes through “Stardust”, his collaboration with the Amsterdam-based Valvetronic Brassband, released in January 2025. The track brings Kay’s distinctive vocal and lyrical approach together with the band's powerful brass-driven sound, creating a meeting point between hip-hop, jazz and groove-led music. “Stardust” also appears on Valvetronic’s album Beyond Our Shores, released through Vokall Records in May 2025. The collaboration reflects the label’s interest in bringing together artists from different musical backgrounds and creating space for soulful, boundary-crossing sounds.