Kisha “Kelo” Dower on Spreading a Message of Self-Worth and Love Through Performance
By Denise Harrison, for Education Foundation for Freedom
Kisha “Kelo” Dower is a New Jersey-born singer, songwriter, female MC and producer who has performed across the country, spreading a message of self-worth and love through her music and spiritual presence. Now based in Columbus, she continues to inspire through her performances and community work. She’ll be performing for the Columbus Women & Girls’ Fest on Aug. 23.
Denise: Growing up, when did you first realize art–or music–was more than a hobby? What early experiences most influenced you?
Kelo: I grew up in New Jersey. However, after going into a program for alcohol addiction and completing it, I realized that if I wanted to live, I needed to leave. I have lived in Columbus for almost 20 years and I love it.
My grandmother Bernice Garner discovered I was talented at age 10. She raised me in the church and by the age of 13, I directed all the choirs in my church. I realized music was more than a hobby when I created my first music group called First Step. I wrote the songs, and my cousin and I performed at family functions. Gospel music is my roots, but hip-hop and house music became my heartbeat.
Denise: Who were the artists, mentors or personal figures that inspired your artistic path?
Kelo: My godfather Wil Pryor was a member of the New Jersey Mass Choir and taught me vocal control and stage presence. My sound and path in music was inspired by artists like The Clark Sisters, Stephanie Mills, Crystal Waters, Run DMC, Whitney Houston and Luther Vandross.
Denise: How would you describe your artistic process from start to finish?
Kelo: When I create, I like to be alone in my studio. I allow my feelings to find the sounds that I then build using Logic Pro X. I usually write the same day but it truly depends on what the song is about. When I write conscious rap, I like to watch documentaries or walk in the park. I meditate daily and that gives me visions and words for my music.
Denise: How does collaboration or community play into your creative evolution?
Kelo: I am a behavior intervention specialist so I get to work with children and teach them how to express themselves through music and art. It helps me to evolve, not just as a person, but as a mentor and an artist. I have always been mindful of the words I use in my songs. I meditate on lyrics so that I stay true to positive messages in my music. I do this for my students and the community.
Denise: How do you see your role as an artist within the Columbus arts community?
Kelo: My role in the community is to uplift and educate families about the dangers of drinking/partying in front of their children. I am the voice of that kid who grew up to break the alcoholism generational curse in my family.
Denise: What challenges have you faced as an artist/producer in Columbus, and how have you turned them into opportunities?
Kelo: One challenge I faced was finding a platform for positive female artists. I was told that my music may not fit the audience unless it is watered down or promotes a negative narrative. But after 19 years sober, I have turned my sobriety into opportunities. Since dropping my latest album Sober Vibes, which consists of hip-hop and house music, I’ve been able to reach many audiences. Also, I have grown my “Morning Joe with Kelo” TikTok page to reach youth and the masses.
Denise: What is next for you? Are there upcoming releases, shows or collaborations you’re excited about?
Kelo: Next, I am working on releasing three Pop House songs that I plan on doing for the New Jersey House festival for NJPac as well as any opportunity I get.
Denise: If you could collab with any local Columbus artist or beyond, who would it be and why?
Kelo: I would love to work with hometown artists like Tiffany Mariie and Caroline Inspires. I also want to collaborate with Crystal Waters, See Ce Ce Peniston, Debra Cox and Leandria Johnson. I want to collab with these artists because their music/poetry shares the same hope as mine.
Watch Kisha “Kelo” Dower perform at the eighth-annual Columbus Womens’ & Girls Fest on Saturday, Aug. 23 at the MPACC Box Park (925 Mt. Vernon Ave.). The festival is free and open to the public.
This article is part of a bi-weekly column brought to you by the Greater Columbus Arts Council as part of the Art Makes Columbus campaign. Explore a calendar of events, public art database and artist stories at columbusmakesart.com. To learn more about GCAC grants visit gcac.org.