Tanya Rodriguez, professionally known as Kuzh (pronounced “Cush”), is an artist whose career and personal journey have led her to Shelby, North Carolina, where she is not only making a name for herself in the music world but also striving to give back to her new community. Originally from Virginia, Kuzh’s path to music and her decision to settle in Shelby have been shaped by a mixture of her Dominican heritage, her love for singing, and her personal battles with societal stigmas.
Kuzh’s story begins in the vibrant cultural landscape of Virginia, where she discovered her love for music at a young age. Her early performances at elementary school talent shows ignited a passion that would later be refined in the church choir, where she overcame stage fright and began to find her voice. Raised in a Dominican household, she frequently spent summers with her grandmother in the Dominican Republic, embracing the richness of her culture and becoming fluent in Spanish. This bicultural experience has given Kuzh a unique artistic perspective that she brings to her music today.
Kuzh is described as someone who constantly defies expectations, both musically and personally. “What you see is what you don’t get,” reflects one observer, explaining how Kuzh subverts the assumptions people often make about her. As an LGBTQ woman with darker skin, she has faced societal challenges and personal battles but has found her niche in music, where her voice can truly shine.
One of the most striking things about Kuzh is her versatility. Rather than being confined to one genre, her music draws from a variety of influences, including R&B, contemporary, and experimental sounds. This ability to seamlessly blend genres creates a refreshing and unique experience for listeners, who are often surprised by the depth and range of her work. “When you hear her music and see her, you think, ‘Whoa, I didn’t expect this,’” says a close associate. This sense of surprise and innovation is at the heart of what makes Kuzh stand out in today’s music scene.
However, Kuzh’s influence extends far beyond her music. She is also a dedicated advocate for community involvement and charitable giving. Her social media presence, with over 50,000 followers on both Facebook and TikTok, is not just about self-promotion but also about uplifting others. Recently, she used her platform to highlight the stories of two women with cerebral palsy, raising awareness about the condition and giving them a chance to share their experiences. She is often described as someone who regularly helps others, whether on social media or in everyday encounters. “She’s very giving,” says one supporter. “Not everything is for content. She’s kind and loving.”
Kuzh’s relocation to Shelby has not only given her a fresh start but also provided her with a platform to give back to her new community. She is working on plans to partner with local organizations to host events and address the needs of the Shelby area. “It’s all about giving back,” she shares, highlighting her commitment to making a positive impact through her work as a social media influencer and musician.
Musically, Kuzh is focused on releasing new singles with the long-term goal of putting out a full-length album. Her work can be found on all major platforms, including YouTube, Apple Music, Spotify, and Amazon Music. One of her standout songs, Toxic, addresses the importance of self-care and removing toxic influences from one’s life. It’s a message that resonates deeply with her fans and reflects her own personal philosophy of empowerment and growth.
As Kuzh continues to rise in the music industry, she remains committed to her core values of authenticity, creativity, and community engagement. Her journey from Virginia to Shelby, her challenges as an LGBTQ woman of color, and her dedication to using her platform for good all make her a compelling and inspiring figure in today’s music landscape. To learn more about Kuzh, visit her website at thekuzhzone.com or follow her on social media to keep up with her latest music and community projects.
