Beyond The Ordinary - Kieran Kenlock, Class of 2010

Kieran is a writer, poet, and filmmaker whose work explores identity, masculinity, and mental health through honest and impactful storytelling. A former Crystal Palace academy footballer, he transitioned into the creative industry, playing a pivotal role at leading agencies and shaping global campaigns for brands such as Nike, Jordan, Apple, Meta, and Ray-Ban.

As an independent artist, Kieran broke into the Apple Top Ten Hip-Hop charts with his debut album in 2020. In 2024, he delivered a spoken word piece for the Africa Cup of Nations, performed live on the pitch. His most recent collaboration, with Arsenal FC and Google Pixel, was filmed at the Emirates Stadium.

Though he’s moved from one kind of pitch to another, Kieran continues to captivate audiences with his unique and authentic storytelling. In this article, we explore his journey, where he seamlessly blends his athletic background with a passion for powerful spoken narratives.

When you think back to your time at Trinity, what memories stand out the most?

I remember the energy of lunchtimes, everyone rushing to the astro or the fields to make sure we got the most out of the time, and those moments of banter that made each day feel alive. There was a sense of possibility in the air. And of course, the pride of wearing the school kit and representing Trinity in matches, it always felt like something bigger than yourself.

Were there any teachers who had a lasting impact on you? And are there any friends you’re still in touch with today?

Absolutely. Miss Marshall, my history teacher, may she rest in peace, had a softness that held everyone’s attention and made learning interesting. And of course, my drama teacher Mr. Mazur stands out; he made storytelling feel powerful and planted the seeds that would grow into my love for writing and poetry. I’m still in touch with a few mates from Trinity; we’ve taken different paths, but there’s something special about friends who knew you before you even knew yourself.

You made the big decision to leave after your GCSEs to pursue football on a training contract with CPFC, what was going through your mind at that time, and how did you feel about it?

It was a mix of excitement and fear. I felt like I was stepping into the dream I’d always chased, but I was also leaving behind the comfort of a familiar environment. At that age, you don’t always grasp how big those choices are. I was focused on proving myself, making it to the first team, and giving everything I had.

Being part of a professional football academy must have been intense. What did that experience teach you about things like discipline, pressure, and chasing your goals?

It taught me more about myself than anything else has. You learn discipline because every day you’re judged on your performance. You learn how to handle pressure because mistakes aren’t just mistakes, they can cost you opportunities. But most of all, it showed me that chasing your goals means sacrifice, resilience, and sometimes picking yourself up alone when things don’t go to plan.

When football didn’t go the way you’d hoped, how did you find your way forward? What helped you through that transition?

It was a tough period, losing the identity I’d built around being a footballer felt like losing a part of myself. Writing helped me process it; I started journaling and turning my feelings into poems. Family and friends reminded me I was more than just an athlete. Bit by bit, I discovered new passions and realised I could build something fresh on the foundations of what football had taught me.

You’ve written poetry, made short films, and worked with some incredible names. Is there one project that’s especially close to your heart?

Serious Tingz is very close to my heart. It gave voice to struggles I know many Black men face but rarely speak about. Seeing people connect with it, some saying it helped them open up for the first time, made me realise the power of honest storytelling.

Whether it’s a poem, a film, or a campaign, how do you usually approach storytelling? Do you have a process, or does it change each time?

It always starts with truth. I try to get to the emotional core of what I’m trying to say, whether that’s by interviewing people, journaling, or spending time in places connected to the story. From there, the process can change depending on the medium, but it always comes back to creating something that feels authentic and resonates deeply.

You’ve collaborated with big names like Arsenal FC, AFCON, Nike, and Idris Elba. How do these opportunities come about, and what’s surprised you most about working with such well known brands and people?

A lot of these opportunities came from staying connected, building genuine relationships, and sharing my work openly. It’s a small world in the creative industry, and people talk. What’s surprised me most is how human these big names are behind the scenes. Often, the best ideas come from simple conversations where everyone’s passionate about the same goal.

How do your roots, as a South Londoner, a former athlete, and now a creative, shape the work you do?

South London taught me resilience and gave me a unique perspective; it’s a place of raw stories and unfiltered experiences. My time as an athlete gave me discipline and an understanding of what it means to chase something relentlessly. Those roots push me to tell stories that feel real, grounded, and reflective of the worlds I’ve lived in.

Do you find yourself drawing on your own journey, including the ups and downs, when you’re creating?

Always. The highs and lows of my journey are like a well I keep going back to, they give my work honesty. I’ve found that sharing vulnerability can be a superpower in storytelling; it helps others see themselves and feel less alone.

The Therapist really shines a light on how tough it can be for Black men to talk about mental health. What inspired you to tell that story?

It came from personal experience and the realisation that so many of my friends, brothers, and uncles carried silent struggles. I wanted to challenge the stigma and show that vulnerability isn’t weakness; it’s strength. It was a way of starting a conversation I wish I’d seen when I was younger.

What would you say to current Trinity students, especially those who might not have a clear path ahead of them yet?

Don’t stress if you don’t have everything figured out. Life rarely follows a straight line, and every experience teaches you something valuable. Stay curious, work hard, and remember that it’s okay to pivot. The most important thing is to know yourself and trust your journey.

How do you define success these days? Has that changed for you over time?

For me, success used to mean trophies or status. Now, it’s about freedom: the freedom to create, to spend time with people I love, and to live in a way that feels true to myself. If my work can inspire or uplift others along the way, that’s a bonus.

What’s next for you? Are there any projects or goals you’re really excited about right now?

I’m working on my first poetry book, Notes by Kie, which gathers thoughts and poems I’ve written over the past decade exploring masculinity, identity, and growth. I’m also continuing to develop projects that sit at the intersection of sport, culture, and storytelling, bringing untold stories to the forefront.

Imagine you’re hosting a drinks party. What five creatives (dead or alive) would you invite, what music would be playing, and what’s on the menu?

This is extremely difficult, but if I was going quickfire off the top of my head, I’d invite bell hooks, Basquiat, Kendrick Lamar, Spike Lee, and Denzel Washington, a mix of fearless storytellers across time. The soundtrack would be a blend of soul, hip-hop, and jazz, with tracks by Lauryn Hill, Slum Village, J. Cole, Terrace Martin, and 9th Wonder. As for the menu: jerk chicken, plantain, mac and cheese, and a good old rum punch, a nod to my Jamaican heritage.