ROZET on Healing, Identity, and Escapism
Their single, “EAT,” is out now.
Like all good stories, ROZET’s has a beginning, too. The Nigerian, Italian, queer singer, rapper, and producer discovered their creative verve from an early age, stemming from acquaintance with slash constant fueling by a lot of R&B, jazz, and funk, genres which naturally influenced their creative process, and have led to an embrace of experimental electronic elements in music along with learning dance and film. At 16, ROZET channeled their drag king/butch queen-like persona in dance battles and performances at ballroom events, a side hustle at first, before realizing over time just how vital the community was for their growth in offering a safe space to express and find comfort through art.
Reflecting on this period, ROZET notes, “The dance community not only gave me a platform to share my music growing up but also built my confidence as a performing artist, shaping the music and performance I create today,” echoing how they blend with “every breath and emotion” as a dancer and artist – and shedding light on the assertion that music made by Black women can only be pigeonholed into one genre such as R&B, Afrobeat or hip-hop.
ROZET redefines “more than meets the eye.” They’re currently working towards getting their psychology degree. They have spent the past five years studying areas ranging from neuroscience to cognitive-behavioral therapy and dialectical behavioral therapy to explore how their synergy with body-talk therapy can address trauma effectively. “Growing up in a Buddhist household, I embraced the understanding of the body as an energy system – a perspective that taught me the distinction between healing the mind versus the body and how both can be shaped by unconscious experiences from childhood to adulthood.”
These studies culminated in HEAD, ROZET’s debut project, which is anticipated to be released in February. It’s a culmination of arts and storytelling that uses R&B, Afro percussion, and visual effects to depict emotional regulation and healing through their mind. The eight-track record, according to ROZET, is “a third eye tap with a surge of energy through the feet. Imagine a cunty yogi jumping into a mosh pit. Deep sub-bass and electronic synth wave soft syrup vocals and raged angst” that aims to resonate deeply with audiences while serving as a lasting cultural medicine.
The LA-based artist also credits their hometown, Miami, for influencing their sound through its vibrant mix of cultures and rich history of music and dance. To ROZET, it is more than a vacation spot, but rather a melting pot of art and rhythm. “You can hear this in my music through fast-driving beats. [Also] Miami’s Ballroom community is gaining recognition, adding to its dynamic energy.”
With a global hotspot dance scene, more so for Afro-Electronic, hip-hop, and disco, all of which are rooted in Black creativity – the city serves as a hub where history and creativity collide beautifully. Having recently signed with Young Art Records, ROZET has gone on to work with artists like Machinedrum and Jesse Boykins III in “RISE” and “Thinking A Lot,” respectively–collaborations with which they feel aligned with their goals and has set the stage for their rise, something they’re grateful for. “They’ve been like a springboard or like going to a dog park for humans. We get together and play and act like kids making noises and making sonic history.”
For ROZET, this is only the start of their journey. They are set on developing mental health resources and support systems in underserved communities, collaborating with industry leaders to advocate for safer, more inclusive work environments, and investing in innovative technology for child labor protection. As they prepare to release HEAD, it is set to solidify ROZET as an artist to watch.
