Kadhja Bonet

With her beguiling, airy voice and robust blend of cosmic jazz, R&B, folk, and classical, singer/songwriter Kadhja Bonet quietly made waves in the Los Angeles underground prior to releasing the 2016 mini-album The Visitor and her acclaimed full-length debut, Childqueen, in 2018. The attention from these releases helped spark a series of collaborations with high-profile artists like Childish Gambino and Anderson.Paak, after which she delivered 2022′s JGS EP.
A multi-instrumentalist with a background in classical violin dating back to childhood, Bonet seriously pursued music as an adult following an unfulfilling period in film school. She began collaborating with L.A. producer Itai Shapira, resulting in her soulful debut single, “Tears for Lamont,” in 2014. Later that year, Bonet participated in the Red Bull Music Academy program in Tokyo, working with German producer RJ and Australian producer Max Maxwell on the electronic-laced single “Late Night Munchies.” Throughout early 2015, she continued to release singles online, each one expanding her range and developing her elegant, occasionally cinematic sound. In September of that year, Bonet delivered her first collection of music, The Visitor, a mini-album released through Fresh Selects and Fat Possum.
Less than two years later, she followed it up with the full-length Childqueen, an even more transportive and mystical set of songs for which she provided most of the instrumentation. The album was a critical success, earning Bonet more widespread attention and leading to a fruitful period of collaboration with Childish Gambino, Anderson.Paak, SiR, and Free Nationals, among others. She later returned to making solo music with the vibrant 2022 EP JGS, released by the Ninja Tune label. ~ Timothy Monger