Kyla-Rose Smith is an arts leader, producer, and cultural strategist dedicated to using music and the arts as a force for social connection and creative collaboration. A founding member of the internationally acclaimed South African band Freshlyground, Kyla-Rose has performed on some of the world’s biggest stages, sharing lineups with artists such as Stevie Wonder, BB King, Hugh Masekela, and Shakira—with whom she co-wrote and performed Waka Waka (This Time for Africa), the 2010 FIFA World Cup anthem that became one of the best-selling singles of all time. Beyond performance, her work has spanned sound-mapping projects, large-scale public engagements, and interactive installations, always driven by a commitment to creative experimentation and social impact. She has collaborated with artists, educators, and cultural organizers worldwide, building platforms that amplify underrepresented voices and reimagine how music and the arts can shape civic life.