“My goal has always been to share my art and build community along the way. “
Whether it’s the DJ booth or the recording booth, Kiya Lacey is always producing the vibes in Atlanta. Read along as she walks us through her life beginning in Nashville, all the way to present day:
CF — Hey Kiya, just wanted to start off by thanking you for your time and allowing us to chat with you! How has life been lately?
Kiya — Hi! Life’s been FRUITFUL. Just wrapped a mini tour and am currently preparing for fruta mami café takeover!
CF — Love that for you! I’d like to get more into that tour & the takeover but first, would you mind giving us a bit of an introduction into your creative medium(s)?
Kiya — Yaaas, Kiya Lacey — singer, songwriter, DJ, creator of Fruta Mami, curator, event producer, I could go oooon haha
CF — So basically a bit of everything, got it! How do you manage to wear so many hats yet still find the motivation to pour into each space? What keeps you inspired?
Kiya — I'm honestly still finding my balance because every day is so different playing so many roles. The best thing I did was create systems (I live by my planner + Google cal), I allow myself the mornings to recenter. I’m really invested in making strategic moves and enjoying the journey.
I’m inspired by the idea of buying a beach house and doing whatever I want for the rest of my life! I’ve really visualized my future.
CF — That’s very true, every day is a new experience, so organization is vital to stay focused. Also, keep manifesting that, it’s definitely coming! Next, I want to ask how you got started in your creative spaces and who some of your biggest inspirations are?
Kiya — I’ve been singing my whole life. I have VHS tapes singing and performing for my family. It started very early, honestly. My mom was my first manager.
I grew up listening to everything but gravitated towards Celia Cruz, Aaliyah, Destiny’s child, Brittney spears, Christina Aguilera, Missy Elliot, Bob Marley, The Neptunes, & Kanye. I’ve always had a very diverse music catalog.
My mom introduced me to west African drum and dance but also had me in ballet + tap and I was in a collective performing age 3-18
My dad used to burn me bear share mixed cds with everything from rap electro to salsa + reggaeton. I’ve always been surrounded by music playing in the house
Photo by Annabelle Camp
CF — So you’re not new to it, you're true to it! It’s great that your parents supported you in that way as well. While we’re on the subject of origins, how long have you been in the Atlanta area and also how has the city impacted you creatively?
Kiya — I’m from Nashville,TN originally and dropped out of college to move to Atlanta in 2015. This city def made me a hustler and embrace all my creative ideas.
CF — ATL will definitely bring both of those sides out of you! What are some of the biggest obstacles you’ve faced carving out your own lane here?
Kiya — Whew! There are so many bubbles and “scenes” here. As someone that is multifaceted it was hard figuring out my place, so I just created my own world in Fruta Mami. My goal has always been to share my art and build community along the way.
Financially being an artist is tough, but I really leaned into business structure, brand consulting, and pushing for DJing activations instead of getting sucked into club culture.
CF — This is something a lot of creatives can tend to struggle with, especially having interest in various crafts so thank you for sharing your experience! Now with this tour you went on recently, would you care to share your experience with that?
Kiya — Yesss! The Curve Tour co headlining with Jade Million alt-pop artist based in Nashville! We did this 100% independently and also did collab merch. I’m so proud of us fr. It takes a lot of courage to play in cities and underground artists.
CF — That’s amazing, you should be proud of the work you’ve put in! We really appreciate you and to wrap things up, we would love to know more about your takeover & what else we should be on the lookout for!
Kiya — Fruta Mami is taking over Coffee Was Black Wednesday-Friday 12pm-4pm
364 Auburn Ave in the historic HAUGABROOKS building
I love connecting my brand to my art. I just shot the cover art for my upcoming single produced by Daniel Barret. I’ll be playing some unreleased music at the takeover this week too!