Rootwords is an international artist born in the U.S, of Zambian origin, who found his inspiration from the diverse experiences he gained around the globe while growing up as a teenager in Switzerland and during his college years in England and Australia.

At 16 years old, Rootwords immerses himself into the Hip Hop scene by participating in the many freestyle and open-mic sessions organized by Colossal Crisis. His talent in rap improvisation is quickly recognized and he is encouraged to pursue mu...

Rootwords is an international artist born in the U.S, of Zambian origin, who found his inspiration from the diverse experiences he gained around the globe while growing up as a teenager in Switzerland and during his college years in England and Australia.

At 16 years old, Rootwords immerses himself into the Hip Hop scene by participating in the many freestyle and open-mic sessions organized by Colossal Crisis. His talent in rap improvisation is quickly recognized and he is encouraged to pursue music by his peers. Rootwords soon realises that he could leave his footprint in the Hip Hop movement after discovering Eminem, an accomplished U.S artist with a unique flow and identity. A few years later, Rootwords is invited on stage by Common during the world famous Montreux Jazz Festival, and seizes the opportunity to impress the artist known worldwide for his conscious lyrics and music.

In 1999, during his studies in London, Rootwords teams up with his partner in rhyme Larynx and continues to perform his musical art under the name of A-Stout. Life carries him to Australia to pursue his college degree and music. Rootwords’ flow quickly gets noticed and he then collaborates with the most famous independent Hip Hop label, Obese Records, which leads to his first experiences on stage along with a live band. After several disappointments working in the music business, Rootwords decides to return to Switzerland. Again, attracting the attention of the professionals, he decides to work with Kinyama Sounds, a fresh indie label based in Geneva.

In 2010, between London and Geneva, Rootwords releases an EP called “What They Want” with Larynx, produced by Kinyama Sounds. This is the last Rootwords work under the name of A-Stout as both band members decide to focus on their solo musical careers. Based in Switzerland, Rootwords pursues stage appearances along side a DJ and wins the RepreZent Award in the “Underground” category.

In 2011, Kinyama Sounds releases Rootwords’ first solo EP called “Press Rewind to Begin”, blending many genres from Hip Hop to Reggae, Funk and Soul, a project that is well received within the music industry. The title “Life’s a Journey” finds its place on the compilation CD of the famous French Magazine Modzik. A written article in OpenMag Fnac magazine also further promotes the artist into the mainstream. In September, Rootwords releases another project called “The Double R Project” produced by Swiss producer Redbioul. The project sounds strictly Hip Hop and is mainly made of diverse collaborations with Swiss rap artists. By November, two titles of the release find their place in the playlist of Swiss national radio Couleur3 and later on the official radio compilation CD.

In 2012, along with Kinyama Sounds, Rootwords elevates by appearing with his own live band The Block Notes. In January 2012, he performs his first live appearance with the band at Usine in Geneva, the most famous venue in town.
In June, Rootwords officially releases the summer single called “Just Amigos”, blending Funk and Soul. He also appears on the album of the famous Swiss producer Yvan Peacemaker on the song called “She’s Got Me”, alongside the talented Bastian Baker, a Swiss Pop star established in the music industry.

Throughout the year, Rootwords has performed at the most notorious venues and festivals in Switzerland such as Tohu Bohu Festival (opening for French legendary Hip Hop act IAM) and the Royal Arena Festival (alongside other famous acts such as Ice Cube). He appeared on the national TV show “Plein le poste” which broadcast Rootwords and The Block Notes live on the official number one Swiss TV station, RTS1. Rootwords now presents to you his new 6-track EP “All Good” in which you are guaranteed to go places previously unexplored in his musical universe.