Today we’d like to introduce you to Nyck Khayo.
Hi nyck, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Growing up, we didn’t have much, but what we did have were instruments and sports. Both taught me discipline, creativity, and the value of hard work. Whatever I did, I approached it with drive and determination.
I started making music in college with a friend who was a producer looking for an MC. What began as a creative outlet surprisingly became a passion. After graduating, I worked a handful of jobs in advertising and spent three years selling internet door-to-door in Chicago and California. While I was grateful for the opportunities, I felt stuck and disconnected from what truly inspired me.
I remember one night on summer vacation in college, sitting in my living room after midnight watching a Nas documentary, I had a realization: if I had known being an artist was a real career path, I might have pursued it from the beginning. Not long after, a conversation with my mom reignited my desire to create and pushed me to be courageous and take music seriously in California. There was a wave the naturally led me to releasing music on Soundcloud and then on the big streaming platforms.
Since then, my mission has been simple: create to freely express something meaningful. Through the music and my cover art paintings, I share my experiences, struggles, growth, and perspective in hopes of inspiring others to do the thing to get the power to do the thing. Every song is an act towards living out the values I have in creativity.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Far from it.
One of the biggest challenges has been learning that making music and building a music career are two completely different things. I’ve had to navigate creative disagreements, business relationships that didn’t work out as planned, delayed projects, and situations where people didn’t deliver on what was promised. Those experiences taught me the importance of communication, contracts, and aligning with people who share the same vision and work ethic.
I’ve also had to learn the business side of the industry. Early on, I thought making great music was enough, but I’ve learned that understanding publishing, marketing, branding, networking, and ownership is just as important as the music itself.
On the creative side, I’ve spent countless hours learning production, mixing, and mastering so I could better understand how to bring my ideas to life. Financially, its been challenging to fund recordings, a solid team, studio time, music videos, and promotion while remaining independent. In many cases, I’ve had to learn new skills myself rather than pay someone else to do them, which has required a significant investment of both time and effort.
The biggest struggle has been balancing everything while working a full-time career. Finding the time and energy to create consistently after long workdays means discipline, sacrifice, and a genuine love for the craft.
At the same time, every challenge made me better. I’ve become more resilient, more experienced, and more intentional about the people I work with and the art I create. Looking back, the obstacles were just as important to my growth as the successes.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m a producer and MC from Chicago by way of Senegal and South Africa, and I try to stay connected to my roots in everything I create. My music is inspired by life, my experiences, the people I’ve met, the lessons I’ve learned, and the journey I’m still on. I like to make music you can think to, ride to, and connect with on a deeper level.
I’m most proud of earning my first C-note from performing. It wasn’t about the money as much as what it represented. It was proof that something I created could provide value to other people and that this dream could become something real.
What sets me apart is my versatility. I can adapt to different sounds and styles while still sounding like myself. Whether I’m producing or rapping, I focus on bringing creativity, authenticity, and energy to every record. I have a fluid flow, a strong ear for music, and a willingness to take risks creatively rather than follow what’s already popular.
At the end of the day, I want my music to reflect who I am and where I come from while creating something timeless that people can keep coming back to.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
My best advice for networking is to find like minded people and consistently show up where that community gathers. Whether it’s shows, creative events, workshops, or industry meetups, relationships are built through repeated interactions and genuine interest in others.
When you meet people, focus on building real relationships rather than trying to get something from them. Be respectful, kind, professional, and courteous. People remember how you make them feel far more than what you say.
One of the best ways to maintain a connection is to follow up a few days later. Send a message referencing something you discussed during your conversation. Those personal details show that you were paying attention and help turn a brief interaction into a meaningful relationship.
Networking isn’t about collecting contacts, it’s about building a community.
Pricing:
- $20 t-shirts
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nyckkhayo/
- Twitter: https://x.com/nyckkhayo
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@nyckkhayo
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/kat-mogongwa
