Kelela

Kelela Mizanekristos is an American singer and songwriter of Ethiopian descent who has become one of the most influential voices in experimental electronic R&B. Born and raised in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, Kelela grew up immersed in both Ethiopian music traditions and the vibrant underground dance and club scenes of the East Coast. She studied at American University before relocating to Los Angeles to pursue music full-time, where she quickly embedded herself in the experimental electronic community.

Kelela burst onto the scene in 2013 with her critically acclaimed mixtape “Cut 4 Me,” a collaboration with producers from the Fade to Mind and Night Slugs collectives. The project showcased her ability to blend silky R&B vocals with cutting-edge electronic production, earning praise from major publications and establishing her as a forward-thinking artist. Her 2015 EP “Hallucinogen” further cemented her reputation, leading to collaborations with artists like Solange, Gorillaz, and Danny Brown.

Her debut studio album “Take Me Apart” arrived in 2017 to widespread critical acclaim, landing on numerous year-end best-of lists and earning her a devoted global fanbase. The album seamlessly wove together influences from UK garage, techno, and classic R&B, positioning Kelela as a true innovator in contemporary music. After a period of relative silence, she returned in 2023 with her sophomore album “Raven,” an ambitious and deeply personal work inspired by Afrofuturism and the global Black diaspora experience.

Kelela’s net worth of approximately $3 million reflects her steady career growth through album sales, streaming revenue, live performances, and brand partnerships. She has headlined major festivals worldwide and remains a sought-after collaborator in both music and fashion circles, frequently working with designers and appearing at high-profile cultural events.