Amythyst Kiah

Her concerts are something everyone should really see this year. Amythyst Kiah is among the leading artists in the new Afro-American wave that is now making an increasingly strong presence in American country and Americana. Kiah sings, composes and plays guitar and banjo. Her music is deeply rooted in folk, blues, rock and Americana, while at the same time being searching and modern in both its expression and lyrical content. Amythyst Kiah is being highlighted as one of the new artists who are helping to define current American roots music. 

Amythyst Kiah grew up in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and now lives in the student town of Johnson City in eastern Tennessee. While growing up in the Appalachians, Amythyst Kiah developed an early love for roots music such as country and bluegrass. She started playing guitar in high school, drawing influence from her parents' diverse musical tastes. Her turn towards roots music began in earnest in college when she enrolled in a bluegrass program at East Tennessee State University, where she also picked up the banjo as an instrument for the first time. As an adult, she became aware of the central importance of black artists in the development of the area's traditional music. Now she is one of several prominent black artists making a strong impact in Americana and country. With her powerful voice and rich blend of roots-related styles, Amythyst Kiah is a festival favorite in both the US and the UK.

When Amythyst Kiah was given the opportunity to collaborate with a group of like-minded women of color with a love for roots music, she jumped at the chance. Led by Rhiannon Giddens and featuring Kiah, Allison Russell, and Leyla McCalla, the group Our Native Daughters’ debut album addressed themes of American history and cultural identity from slavery and racism to sexism and civil rights. The album Songs of Our Native Daughters was led by Kiah’s fiery black identity letter “Black Myself,” which was nominated for a Grammy Award and won Song of the Year and Folk Alliance International Awards. 

“I am incredibly excited to announce Amythyst Kiah as part of our 2025 lineup. I have seen her perform. It made a deep impression on me, and I immediately thought that this is an artist we should have at Notodden. Amyhthyst Kiah will be performing solo in her debut with us, and she will be playing both the festival’s Folk & Blues Stage and the Rootsville Americana Stage. The music will be authentic, soulful and honest, as only great artist talents like Amythyst Kiah present. This will be an experience that everyone should experience," says Notodden Blues Festival general manager, Jostein Forsberg. 

Amethyst Kiah's raw voice, musical empathy and clear message will leave you stunned and awestruck at having discovered a new artist who delivers to such an extent and who could easily become a new addition to the soundtrack of your life. This is a Notodden debut you shouldn't miss.