Kay Slice is a vibrant blend of Africa and the Afro-diaspora, rooted in Ghana, based in Rotterdam. With a sound he calls Diaspora Highlife, Kay fuses West African rhythms, Afrobeats, jazzy textures and poetic hip-hop into one seamless, soul-stirring experience. A skilled rapper, poet, and instrumentalist (balafon, saxophone), his performances, whether at North Sea Jazz, Noorderslag, or from Accra to Jakarta, are full of groove, energy and spirit. His music bridges cultures, generations and inner worlds, drawing from his Ghanaian heritage and his experience growing up in the Netherlands. For Kay, music is more than sound: it’s a mission to connect, uplift and reclaim identity. His journey is one of groundedness, liberation and joy. A healing celebration of self, roots, and the wider diaspora.

Kay Slice, a time-traveler and Afro-diaspora artist with Ghanaian roots, raised by hip-hop & based in Rotterdam. I make music for the motherland, the culturally curious, the in-betweeners, the nomads navigating worlds, identities, and rhythms that refuse to fit in a single box.

Nas. I’ve never been to Queensbridge but cuz of him I've been there plenty of times.  He's one of the greatest storytellers ever. 

From my released songs, I’d say Yessika best captures my sound. I love its cadence, the urgency of the lyrics, and the playfulness all at once. It hits home and ‘home’ for me is many places, which makes it rich and layered. When it comes to unreleased songs, I'm really proud of my upcoming album. I'll be premiering some of those songs at Super-Sonic Jazz Festival.

Most definitely the University of Ghana. The people, the vibes, the convos, the food you can get everything from fufu to waakye to jollof, fresh fruits, you name it. It’s a place close to my heart, because it’s where I first started learning to play the indigenous xylophone. Big shout-out to my professor, Aaron Bebe Sakura. He gave me a whole new perspective on music and rhythm, and opened the door for me to learn multiple instruments.

Ebo Taylor - One of the best composers ever N.E.R.D - It's mostly about neptunes or Pharrel but N.E.R.D is a vital part of my child hood soundtrack Andre 3000 - We'd do a writing session go in with the bars and then jam he'd bring the flute I’d bring the xylophone Little Simz - Her growth and longevity is very inspiring amazing word smith & performer Juls - one of my fav producers 

Osibisa laid the groundwork for afro fusion yet they haven't received the recognition they deserve. When it comes to albums: Bashy - Being Poor is expensive. It’s hip-hop it’s grime it’s soundsystem, it sounds like a tube ride through the ends of London.

Alhaji K Frimpong - Kyenkyen Bi Adi Mawu Mos Def - The Boogie man  Matuê - 333  Roundabout - Chaka  Cleo Sol - Dont let it go to your head 

The Cavemen. - They're pushing highlife into this era fresh, joyful and unique.