Martin Kanja, known as Lord Spikeheart, is a Kenyan vocalist, songwriter, and producer who has become a prominent figure in the African metal scene. Over the past decade, he has developed a distinctive style that blends guttural growls, screeching screams, and gravelly rap verses over intense instrumentals. Formerly part of the industrial grindcore duo Duma, Kanja embarked on a solo career, releasing his debut album, The Adept, on his own label, HAEKALU Records. This album has garnered international acclaim from outlets like The Guardian, BBC Radio, and Pitchfork. The Adept is dedicated to his great-grandmother, Muthoni wa Kirima, the only female Field Marshal in Kenya's Mau Mau uprising against British colonial rule. This tribute underscores Kanja's commitment to addressing themes of oppression and resilience in his music.
