Kimbra

Kimbra Lee Johnson, known professionally as Kimbra, is a talented New Zealand singer and songwriter recognized for her unique fusion of pop, R&B, jazz, and rock influences. Born on March 27, 1990, in Hamilton, New Zealand, she started writing songs at the age of 10 and received her first guitar at 12, sparking a lifelong passion for music. Kimbra’s early musical journey began with her impressive performance in New Zealand’s national schools’ competition, Rockquest, where she earned second place in 2004 at just 14 years old.

In 2007, Kimbra’s music video for “Simply on My Lips” won the Breakthrough Video Award from Juice TV, leading her to sign a management deal with Mark Richardson of Forum 5 in Melbourne. She moved to Melbourne in 2008 to pursue her music career, and in 2011, she released her debut album Vows. The album featured hits like “Settle Down” and “Cameo Lover,” the latter of which won her an ARIA Music Award.

Kimbra’s global breakthrough came with her collaboration on Gotye’s 2011 chart-topping hit “Somebody That I Used to Know,” which reached No. 1 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and earned them two Grammy Awards in 2013.

She continued to evolve as an artist with the release of The Golden Echo (2014), Primal Heart (2018), and A Reckoning (2023). In 2024, she released Idols & Vices (Vol. 1), a collaborative project with various artists. Throughout her career, Kimbra has been praised for her innovative approach to music and her ability to blend genres, solidifying her place as a trailblazer in the industry.