Elizabeth Kapenda (born March 21, 1996) is a South African singer and songwriter based in South Korea. She grew up in Kempton Park, in the East Rand of Johannesburg. In 2017, she self-released her debut EP, “Ties”. The EP was streamed worldwide, and captured local online magazines attention, resulting in her releasing a music video for the EP’s lead single, “Treat Me Better”.

Early life

Elizabeth Kapenda is the oldest of 4 children raised by a single parent until a few years ago. Her musical talent was discovered at a very young age of 8 as she was a contributing member of her family’s church choir, however she began singing lead at the age of 12. Lizz had a busy childhood, starting off as a sports person, she participated in athletics, hockey and being an excellent cricketer. She then joined a dance crew called “Press Play” and she participated as a krumper and ‘pop and lock’ dancer.

In 2010, her 10th grade, she chose drama as a subject and took up acting. Still very active and juggling her studies, sports, dance and acting, she was forced to participate in a beauty pageant by a family friend because of her body structure and height. In the very same year, she was crowned Miss Kempton Park 2010. Lizz has a Bachelor of Technology in Logistics at Tshwane University of Technology.

Music Career

In early 2017, she was featured by Lennox Best on his two songs titled “Give It Up” and “The Weekend” from his debut album. It was then she began working on her debut EP, “Ties” and was released on 29 September 2017 followed up by the release of her EP’s lead single’s music video, “Treat Me Better” on Valentine’s day, 14 February 2018. The music video captured the local magazines attention which resulted in a follow-up article on her.

After a long academic break, Lizz Kalo came back and released two singles, Us (All The Things We Do) and Mirrors on 30 August 2019. However, “Mirrors” was released for free downloads only. After relocating to South Korea in February 2020, Lizz was featured by a South African producer, Auth3ntic on two songs, “Baleka” and the “City of Gold” from his debut album which was released in June 2020. Baleka is also on Lizz’s upcoming EP, “Y.O.U” releasing on 6 November 2020. The single earned her radio debut on Metro FM.

Artistry

Lizz’s music is inspired mostly by current affairs, her love life and those around her. She is a versatile artist, her sound ranging from neo-soul, alternative R&B, contemporary R&B, acoustic and catchy backings, and lyrics with mellow voice.