Keiyaa

Chakeiya Camille Richmond (born 28 July 1992),

Early life and education Chakeiya Camille Richmond was born and raised in Chicago on the city's south side. Her family lived in multiple south side neighborhoods, including Cottage Grove and Englewood. She tested into Chicago Public Schools' magnet program and graduated from Kenwood Academy. She cited soul artists including Chaka Khan, Patrice Rushen, jazz musicians like John Coltrane and Miles Davis and R&B groups such as SWV as early musical influences. Shortly after she decided to pursue music professionally.

Career While still playing and performing on alto sax, she collaborated with Chicago musicians including Noname and Vic Mensa. She decided to switch her focus to solo work producing and singing R&B and electronic music. It was described as "emotional, sleepy, and yet strikingly optimistic" by These Days magazine. Shortly after its release she moved to New York. She added an additional "A" to her name (KeiyaA) in order to differentiate herself from other performers on streaming sites. Esquire described the sound as "downcast grime and smooth R&B." Pitchfork writer Clare Lobenfeld rated the album an 8.2/10 and praised its "resolute realness that can only happen outside the major label gaze." Forever, Ya Girl was named to Pitchfork, Rolling Stone, and The Guardian 's "Best Albums of 2020" lists.

She performed an NPR Tiny Desk concert at her home on February 11, 2021.

Her second album, Hooke's Law, was released on October 31, 2025. It received universal acclaim from critics.

Personal life As of August 2025, Keiyaa resides in Brooklyn.

Discography

Studio albums TitleAlbum details Forever, Ya Girl Released: March 27, 2020 Label: Forever Format: Digital download, streaming Hooke's Law Released: October 31, 2025 Label: XL Format: Digital download, streaming

Extended plays TitleAlbum detailsWork Released: February 24, 2015 Label: Forever Format: Digital download, streaming