Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

My Pod with Kenza Blanka

A standout moment from the popular reality TV show The Voice, last month, was a stunning turn for the London-based singer Kenza Blanka.

Although the four judges didn’t turn around on the show during the blind audition, Olly Murs later admitted that he was gutted she wasn’t selected and described her as super talented. The singing talent is determined to carry on and also to continue spreading her message about mental health through her music.


Eastern Eye got the rising music star to select songs by artists she loves.

Three Little Birds by Bob Marley: I think the late great legend is one of the most inspirational artists in the world. He loved people and wanted to make a difference in the world for everyone and saw us as equal. This was one of the many great songs he released.

When Doves Cry by Prince: The talented singer, songwriter and musician inspires me to be myself and not to worry about what anyone thinks. He was such an inspiration and a fearless artist, who experimented on everything and that inspires me daily with songs like this.

Billie Jean by Michael Jackson: A musical genius in dance, music and singing; he had amazing stage presence, which is where I learned a lot of my moves on stage. This is one of his iconic songs.

I Feel Good by James Brown: The Godfather of Soul – inspires me with his stage presence and fearless attitude every time I am on stage. I just think of the way he made the crowd crazy with tracks like this and copy that style.

You Make Me Feel Like A Natural Woman and Respect by Aretha Franklin: I couldn’t just choose one track from this amazing singer, so selected two. She has the kind of timeless voice that stops you in your tracks.

I Feel For You by Chaka Khan: This track has amazing dance vibes. She also has a stunning voice and singing style. The colourful video and vibe in this get you moving, but with simple yet effective lyrics.

Papoutai by Stromae: This artist inspires me to write about real topics on amazing beats. He ensures I write about deep and meaningful subjects, not just trash words.

Gnawa Music from Morocco: This tribal fusion music from Morocco inspires me every day and has the ability to take you on a spiritual journey. There are so many tracks from this genre I could have listed.

Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen: This song is the ultimate and shows there are no rules in music. Do whatever you like with music and if people love it, it will be a hit.

Aad Guray Nameh by Snatum Kaur: This is a song I listen to almost every day. This track changed my life and moved me in the right path to success and health.

Visit www.kenzablanka.com for more

More For You

Sumukhi Suresh

Sumukhi Suresh says Hoemonal proves women back bold comedy on their own terms

Sumukhi Suresh Unfiltered: Why women deserve bigger stages as she brings a riskier 'Hoemonal' to London

Highlights:

  • Comedian-creator Sumukhi Suresh frames Hoemonal as a string of lived moments shaped by “hormones” rather than neat narratives.
  • The show has grown in scope since its last London run: larger venues, fuller ambitions and a clearer audience focus on women.
  • Sumukhi discusses risk, crafting unlikeable protagonists (Pushpavalli), founding Motormouth Writers and the practical demands of touring big productions.

Sumukhi Suresh opened Hoemonal by naming the show’s true co-star: hormones. The title, she says, is not a punchline. It works more like a container for all the loose, messy pieces of life that she threads together onstage — the doubts, the desires, the shifts in confidence, and the everyday disorder most women recognise but rarely hear spoken aloud.

Speaking exclusively to Eastern Eye ahead of her London shows, Sumukhi Suresh is direct, thoughtful and quick with her humour, much like she is onstage.

Keep ReadingShow less