Artist Highlight: Zenny

Zenny’s path into music is anything but conventional. Born Denzel Nkemdiche, the Atlanta native is a first-generation Nigerian-American whose early career wasn’t in studios or writing music, it was on the football field. As an All-American at Ole Miss, the NFL was once the dream. But as his time in the sport came to a close, so did his passion for it. That in-between period, after college football and before music, was a confusing and uncertain time for him. But in 2019, after getting sober, Zenny found himself drawn to the piano. Producing and singing became more than just an outlet, they became a lifeline for him.

He started his initial music career in the R&B trio Most Wanted, who found success with their viral 2023 hit “Just Say It.” But in August 2024, Zenny decided to step into his solo era. Not out of any bad blood, just a deep desire to explore his own sound and truly find his voice as an artist. Since then, he's been carving out his space, one track at a time. His latest single, “Undecided”, marks his tenth solo release and captures what he calls “new nostalgic R&B,” the kind that feels familiar but fresh. Inspired by the emotional back-and-forth that happens in relationships, the song dives into themes of internal conflict and insecurity. It came together quickly after his friend and producer Vlex sent over a rough idea. Zenny added drums, wrote from the heart, and the track basically wrote itself.

When it comes to influences, Zenny’s taste spans generations. From legends like Pink Floyd, Frank Sinatra, and Stevie Wonder to modern artists like Frank Ocean, mk.gee, and Billie Eilish, he pulls inspiration from everywhere. That range shows in his work, blending it all in a way that doesn’t feel forced. He calls his style “familiar but new,” and it’s clear he’s intentionally building a sound that’s hard to box in.

Outside of music, Zenny leans into downtime with the same intentionality. Whether he’s playing tennis, watching films, snowboarding, or getting into a chess match, he’s all about finding balance. He calls himself a “big chiller,” and it’s clear that this low-key approach to life fuels his creativity in the studio. The moments that keep him going, though, are when artists he respects reach out with genuine love for what he’s creating, or even just when he sits back, listens to his own work, and realizes, “Yeah, I really like this.”

If there’s one piece of advice Zenny would give his younger self, it’s to “stop focusing on the one person who doesn’t get it and start appreciating the nine that do”. That reminder to stay grounded and celebrate the people who support you is something he’s had to learn over time. With his next single “Dangerous” dropping this month, it’s clear Zenny isn’t slowing down anytime soon. He’s just getting started, and doing it on his own terms.