Kanii

Kani Nkshon Shorter Jr. (born August 2, 2005), known professionally as Kanii, is an American singer, songwriter and rapper. Shorter rose to prominence with his 2023 single "I Know". The song peaked at number 90 on the Billboard Hot 100, and received a gold certification by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). Later that same year, he released his debut extended play (EP), Exiit, marking his first entry on the Billboard Top Dance Albums chart, peaking at number 10.

He first embarked on his musical career in 2018, with the release of song,"So Long" onto Soundcloud. Later in August 2022, Shorter would release "Attachment (She Wanna Love)", would gain virality on the platform TikTok. Releasing his debut extended play (EP) in 2023, it spawned the Billboard Hot Dance/Electronic-charting singles "Go" and "Heart Racing". In November 2023, Shorter released his seventh EP, It Was Nice Knowing U.

Early life Kani Nkshon Shorter Jr. was born on August 2, 2005, in Washington, D.C., U.S, to two parents of African-American descent. He grew up in a household full of music, with his mother and grandfather playing songs. Shorter attended Duke Ellington School of the Arts, where he graduated. In 2020, Kanii released his debut single, "Aubade". During 2022, his song "Attachment (She Wanna Love)" gained popularity on the video-sharing app TikTok.

2023–present: exiit and it was nice knowing u

Following his signing to Masked and Warner Records, he would take a seven month hiatus. Kanii would release his single "I Know", his first release under Masked and Warner, in 2023. On June 15, 2023, Kanii released his second EP exiit, along with a release show in Brooklyn, New York with Riovaz and Nimstarr. In 2024, Kanii would open for PinkPantheress' The Capable of Love Tour for 6 shows. He would later release his seventh extended play (EP) #BLUE in 2025.

Artistry

Influences multiple image perrow = 2 total_width = 250 image1 = Michael Jackson in 1988.jpg image2 = Brent Faiyaz.jpg footer = Kanii has cited artists such as Michael Jackson (left) and Brent Faiyaz (right) as his main influences. In an interview with Mesfin Fekadu writing for The Hollywood Reporter, Shorter would state Imogen Heap as one of his main influences; "Imogen Heap is a huge inspiration, especially her vocal production, and I try to incorporate the same level of care to my vocals”.

Musical style In an interview, Shorter would describe his musical style as “a captivating fusion of dance, pop and R&B elements." Further expressing that "embodied within my music are vibrant and rhythmic pop production nuances, accompanied by smooth and catchy vocal melodies." Multiple sources would describe his music as a mix between jersey club and modern R&B.

Discography

Tours and Live Performances Supporting RioRave Disturb the Norm Tour The Capable of Love Tour

Headlining

Lightman Tour (2026)* Kanii US Tour (2026) Kanii Europe Tour (2026)* BLUE Immersive Experience (2025) BLUE TOUR (2025) it was nice knowing u Tour (2024) exiit EP Release Party (2023) cancelled, postponed, or upcoming