Kiwi Sweet

(Podcast Interview) - Take Off Network

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kiwi Sweet and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kiwi, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Being that I chose an artistic or creative career, my entire livelihood is a constant risk within itself. To be able to take a leap of faith and nose dive into my truest passion with all the risk associated with it is both frightening and gratifying in the same sense. I think about risk as the thrill factor attached to my career. There is nothing great or rewarding that comes without risk. Everything in life comes with a certain amount of risk and return/reward that corresponds. The bigger the risk you’re willing to take, the greater the reward. I’ve never been one to play life too safe so I risk all I have in my career in hopes to be rewarded ten times over.
Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’ve been a performer for as long as I can remember but I can honestly admit that I’ve just began to develop a voice within the past 6 years of my artist journey, which is what I officially consider the birth of my career. My music and overall brand is known to be unapologetic and bold. My lyrics are sexy, sometimes straight up raunchy but yet still witty. Depending on who’s listening they could even be considered offensive to some. My work causes controversy and that lets me know that I’m doing something right. I find that there is power in being a creator because you are the topic rather than just being another person discussing.

The biggest challenge as an artist is trusting the process. The early stages of becoming an independent artist can often be so unrewarding and discouraging. I can honestly say I had invested so much time and money into my music before it ever paid me a dime back. I sort of had to face the reality of it and realize that this is what I want to do with my life and knowing this meant knowing and accepting all the good, bad, and even the tediousness of the process.

I want the world to know that I’m a true artist. I was not made in a music factory, I was born a music factory. No matter what trends come along, only true artists like myself will be able to withstand the pressures and constant changes of this industry. I know I’m here to be an icon and present the world with timeless music and talent. I truly believe this is my purpose and everyone can expect me to continue to live in it consistently. My dreams are my own responsibility.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
So I was born and raised in Charlotte, NC but I currently reside in Atlanta, GA. Since I’ve been out and about more lately in Atlanta it’s much easier to describe an outing here. For day time vibes on the weekend I absolutely love Cirque. It’s a New Orleans styled restaurant and lounge with delicious seafood and daiquiris. Aside from their tasty food I just love the overall ambiance of this place. After eating, me and my people just chill, smoke hookah, and vibe out to the music until it’s time to make the next move.

For the people with children or are just big children like myself, every now and then I like to go to a place called Andretti which is basically an adult friendly Chuck E Cheese. They have laser tag, indoor go carting, arcade games, bowling, and my favorite A BAR. I’m talking about being 5 shots of tequila in and shooting laser guns at strangers.

On Thursday nights I am OBSESSED with comedy night at “The Spot”. Laughing is literally my favorite thing to do and I’ve gotten to see and meet a lot of raw underground comedy talent before their prime.

As far as nightlife in Atlanta the list is never ending. There are strip clubs, bars, and lounges all throughout and surrounding the city so if I was to just list a couple of my favorites I’d say 1145, Zari Lounge, Ubar, Rosebar, HideAtl, and Ace Atlanta. All of which have their very own vibe depending on what kind of experience you’re looking to have.
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d like to shoutout the Why Not Wednesday open mic in Greensboro, NC. That was where Kiwi Sweet was birthed as an icon and really began to thrive not only as an artist but as a brand. It was the first platform that gave me a sense of comfort in expressing my artistry in its truest and rawest form. I can honestly admit that the foundation of the Kiwi Sweet fanbase started to assemble at the Why Not Wednesday open mic. That platform also allowed me to connect with a revolving door of extremely talented like minded artists and entreprenuers in the early stages of their career. Some talents like Jerrod Azaad, Who’s Lef, Kaio Kane, Jhamai, just to name a few. It allowed me the opportunity to submerge myself in an environment completely fueled by creative energy. Through these experiences I acquired a growing confidence and inspiration to lay the groundwork of the icon that is me, Kiwi Sweet. - Shoutout Atlanta

Meet Kiwi

Her Story

I’m Kiwi, born and raised in the city of Charlotte. I’ve been a performer for as long as I can remember. My family saw the star inside of me as soon as I was born. By the time I was walking, they had me enrolled in competitions, jazz dancing, tap dancing, and ballet. I was a varsity cheerleader all throughout grade school and college. I did drama productions, talent shows, and literally anything that involved a stage.

I was born in the 90s which I feel was the peak of hip hop culture. I idolize all the women that were in the industry at that time especially because those were the pioneers for artists like me to be able to express myself in all ways through my music. Women like Foxy Brown, Lil Kim, Missy Elliot, Mia X, and so many others had to break the mold and push the limits they tried to set for women in hip hop.

My entire life I’ve been driven to stand out and go against all odds. Nobody has ever been able to tell me what I can and can’t wear, do, say, or feel. To live is to have freedom of expression and I’m prepared to fight misogyny, the patriarchy, and any force that tries to restrict my creativity as a woman, as an artist.
Find out more - Super Woman Is Black