Tanya Rodriguez, widely known as Kuzh in the music world, has spent years honing her craft and finding her voice in an industry that often demands conformity. As an LGBTQ artist of Dominican descent, Kuzh has faced challenges that have shaped both her music and her personal philosophy. Now, having relocated to Shelby, North Carolina, Kuzh is not only building a successful music career but also making waves as a social advocate and community leader.
Born and raised in Virginia, Kuzh’s early introduction to music came through talent shows and the church choir. Her experiences in these settings laid the foundation for her confidence as a performer and helped her overcome stage fright at a young age. Growing up, she would spend her summers in the Dominican Republic with her grandmother, an experience that deepened her connection to her cultural roots and shaped her worldview. These early influences can be heard in the richness of her vocal delivery and the authenticity of her music.
Kuzh’s cousin emphasizes that her path has been anything but conventional. “She’s a bit out of the box,” they say, adding that her music and persona challenge many of the expectations placed on female artists, particularly those who are LGBTQ and people of color. “With the social stigma behind LGBTQ and with her being of darker skin, she’s been fighting a lot of things in life.” These experiences have given Kuzh the resilience and strength to carve out her own space in the music world, where she defies genres and refuses to be pigeonholed.
Musically, Kuzh embraces a range of styles, from R&B to experimental, creating a sound that is as dynamic as it is unexpected. Her cousin notes that Kuzh’s music often surprises people because it doesn’t conform to one specific genre. “We just say contemporary,” they say, pointing to her ability to blend different musical elements into a cohesive whole. Whether it’s a soulful ballad or a more avant-garde experimental track, Kuzh’s music captures the complexity of her identity and the emotions she conveys.
Beyond her music, Kuzh is also using her platform to make a tangible difference in people’s lives. With a growing social media following—boasting 50,000 fans on both Facebook and TikTok—Kuzh has found a way to connect with her audience on a deeper level. She frequently uses her platform to raise awareness about important social issues, including mental health and disabilities. Recently, she featured two women with cerebral palsy on her social media, giving them a voice and raising awareness about their condition. Her cousin is quick to point out that Kuzh’s acts of kindness are not just for show. “She’s done things like this before. She’s kind and loving. Not everything is for content.”
Since moving to Shelby, Kuzh has embraced the town as her new home and is actively seeking ways to give back to the community. Along with her team, she is planning to team up with local organizations to host events and meet the needs of those in the area. “We want to give back,” her cousin explains, adding that their success as social media influencers has provided them with the resources to make a meaningful impact. This commitment to community service is at the core of Kuzh’s mission, both as an artist and as a person.
In terms of her music career, Kuzh continues to gain momentum with each new release. Her music is available on all major platforms, including YouTube, Apple Music, Spotify, and Amazon Music. One of her most popular songs, Toxic, speaks to the importance of self-preservation and cutting out negative influences. The song’s message of self-empowerment has resonated deeply with her fans, many of whom see Kuzh as a role model for overcoming adversity and staying true to oneself.
Kuzh’s music is more than just entertainment—it’s a statement. It’s a call for people to embrace who they are, regardless of the challenges they face. As she continues to build her career and expand her influence, Kuzh is dedicated to using her platform for good, whether that’s through her music or her efforts to uplift those around her.
For more information about Kuzh and her music, visit her website at thekuzhzone.com or follow her on social media. With her unique voice, inspiring message, and unwavering commitment to her community, Kuzh is an artist who is not only making her mark in the music world but also changing lives along the way.
