Before taking the US charts by storm, future pop star Kimbra Johnson was an effervescent 11 year old girl with the dream of becoming a singer.

NZ on Screen have unearthed a video of the young Kimbra taking her first steps as a recording artist.

In TVNZ's kids show What Now the Hamilton-born singing senstation is investigating the mechanics of making a hit recording in a series of segments.

After consulting music industry experts (including Anika Moa and Francesca Rudkin) and receiving some vocal tuition, Kimbra recorded her first song Smile.

Kimbra's first album Vows recently debuted at number 14 on the American Billboard charts - the highest position ever by a New Zealand female artist. 

She is also the first Kiwi female to feature on a Billboard number one thanks to Goyte's hit Somebody That I Used To Know. The song has topped charts in 23 countries, including the USA, UK, France, Germany, Australia and here in New Zealand, where it has been named the highest selling New Zealand single in chart history.

The 22-year-old won the Nashville-based International Songwriting Competition in May, being compared to Nina Simone and Bjork.  The chairman of Warner Brothers Records in the US recently said she has the potential to be the next Prince.

"Kimbra's a real artist, and I envision her having a 15-to-20-year career," Rob Cavallo said.

"She has the potential to be like Prince. That's how strong her musicality is."

 Watch the young Kimbra here.

- © Fairfax NZ News

Comments