On the day Kenna Zemedkun was born, his father said in a dialect of Ethiopian, "There's my boy, I got what I want."
Kenna.
Fans of alternative pop music are getting to know that name, which means "to get what you want." The name appears by itself on his debut CD, "New Sacred Cow."
Kenna's video for the song "Freetime" is up for Best Breakthrough Video at the MTV Video Music Awards. And his somewhat unique music is catching the attention of radio DJs.
These days, Kenna is getting what he wants, which in part means opening for Depeche Mode frontman Dave Gahan.
Kenna credits Gahan and the group U2 with making a huge impact on his career. "Those two artists are actually the top tier of the beginning of my musical journey," Kenna said during a telephone interview from a New York hotel.
It's a journey that began when his father — one of two main mentors in his life — was minister of agriculture for the southern half of Ethiopia, where Kenna was born. His parents eventually relocated to Virginia Beach, bringing with them a work ethic that rubbed off on Kenna. At the age of 12, he owned a T-shirt company and had a paper route on the side. "I come from a family where it's 'Do it for yourself,' " he said.
Though his parents may have money today, they tell Kenna, with a little laugh, "Don't think you're getting an inheritance, we're spending everything."
No matter. Kenna is already on his way toward sowing plenty of spendable green on his own.
But monetary success is not the destination, only part of a journey he hopes will take him back to Ethiopia to help people there. U2's Bono, known worldwide for his social conscience, is Kenna's other main mentor.
Meantime, Kenna's lyrics are already helping listeners cope with suicide and addiction. And the songs, Kenna says, are appealing to fans from 15 to 45. "Nobody knows where to put my record, and yet it's going to everyone," Kenna said. "It's unclassifiable, and it is uncategorizable."
There's a brief pause on the phone. "But, by the way, it's alternative rock," he added.
Depeche Mode's influence is at times obvious on "New Sacred Cow." The beat-driven style, though, has a flavor all its own.
Kenna considers himself a musician first, followed closely by songwriter and then vocalist. For anyone who listens to the new CD, he has a message, the gist of which is that people are too inwardly focused and less mindful of their surroundings and environment. It's music that has, as one fan told Kenna, saved a life.
"If I only reach one, if the music saves that life, then my whole life has been validated," he said. "Forget the VMAs."
But remember that name — Kenna.
If you go . . .
What: Dave Gahan, Kenna
When: Monday, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Kingsbury Hall
How much: $37.50
Phone: 581-7100
E-MAIL: sspeckman@desnews.com