He and Qtip were doing sets. He knew my music.
He has an incredible knowledge of music. He is one wise guy and my experience with Mark is that he's the one who demonstrates of triumph over time. You know. His first album well received but not well sold and then his second album was both and then now look. There's something to say about being determined.

You've worked with some great people..

KENNA: Yeah the Neptunes and I toured with Justin and I've been friends with him for a while. I learn a great deal from all of these people.

It's a tough business. What keeps you going?

KENNA: Some people are built to do something. I'm built to be here and be able to say something. We have one message and that message reaches my cognitive speech. I have something and my spirit is burning to do something. And I don't know any better. I'm sure I could do other things and it would be an easier path though.

Most of the contestants of these American Idol / X factor competitions come in saying I can't do anything else. This is my life. Even if they're terrible. What do you think of all those reality shows?

KENNA: I think it's shifting. Its funny the way cycles work. They said the internet was killing music but actually its saving music. And American idol, although it was trivialising talent, they're creating experts worldwide by them watching and discerning who is truly talented. I hated them at first but now I don't because it's developing experts.

So who are you a big fan of over here?

KENNA: I got a bunch. I really like Kasabian, I think they're great. And Damon Albarn. I've got a big thing for Estelle. And Leona Lewis. Of course Amy winehouse is great.

What are you planning now?

KENNA: I'm gonna pursue this record. It's a pop album. You've got to do that first. I plan on promoting and touring a great deal and I want to be able to be on a stage doing my own thing. But there are other things I want to do for non profit like help dig for wells in Ethiopia.