Meet Kendra Dennis | Artist & Filmmaker

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kendra Dennis and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kendra, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I founded BUSS A BLANK LLC in 2015 as a multimedia company dedicated to creating content that promotes Caribbean music, specifically reggae and dancehall. At that time, I aspired to become a music journalist and personality. However, I found it challenging to secure opportunities with established publications and networks, so I decided to create my own path.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My art is all about fearless storytelling and timeless sound. As KEN.DRA, I bridge the worlds of music and film, creating narratives that reflect the raw, unfiltered experiences of my culture and community. My music fuses sharp lyricism with Caribbean influences, embodying a bold, unapologetic energy. My film work, like FLOSSY, takes an unflinching look at themes like ‘ride or die’ culture, the sacrifices Black women make in relationships, and the moment of choosing oneself over toxicity. I’m dedicated to telling stories that feel real, that resonate, and that spark conversation.

What sets me apart is my ability to move seamlessly between music and film while keeping my artistic voice consistent. I bring a cinematic approach to my music and a musical rhythm to my filmmaking. Whether I’m on stage performing The Anthem, rapping over the Oochie Wally beat, or directing a film shot on Super 16mm, I want my audience to feel something visceral—like they’re living inside the story.

Getting to where I am today has been anything but easy. Balancing my music career, film production, and self-employment while completing my BA in Film Production at Brooklyn College has required discipline, sacrifice, and relentless self-belief. One of my biggest challenges has been funding my projects, especially FLOSSY, which I’m determined to shoot on film. I’ve had to learn how to be resourceful—crowdfunding, seeking sponsorships, and applying for grants while still pushing my brand forward.

The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that fear has no place in this journey. That’s why my tagline is Nuh fear out dere—No fear out there. If you want something, you have to be willing to bet on yourself, even when resources are limited, even when the odds aren’t in your favor.

I want the world to know that KEN.DRA is more than just music, more than just film. It’s about stories that won’t be silenced, about creating art that lasts, and about making an impact that goes beyond entertainment. Whether through sound or visuals, I’m here to shake the table.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend were visiting Brooklyn for a week, I’d make sure they got the full experience—culture, food, music, and vibes that truly represent the city. Here’s the itinerary:

Day 1: Welcome to Brooklyn – Classic BK Experience
• Breakfast: Peaches in Bed-Stuy for the best Southern-style brunch.
• Day Activity: A walk across the Brooklyn Bridge into DUMBO for the skyline views and some iconic photos.
• Lunch: Juliana’s Pizza for some of the best pizza in NYC.
• Afternoon: Hit up the Brooklyn Museum and Prospect Park, maybe even check out First Saturdays if the timing is right.
• Dinner: A Caribbean feast at Sugarcane or Negril BK.
• Nightlife: Drinks at Basquiat’s Bottle, an artsy Black-owned lounge with good music and vibes.

Day 2: Street Culture & Caribbean Vibes
• Breakfast: Ital Kitchen for some fresh, plant-based Caribbean food.
• Day Activity: Explore Utica Avenue, especially the dollar van culture since that’s a huge part of my film Dollar Van.
• Lunch: Peppa’s Jerk Chicken—it’s a must.
• Afternoon: Shopping in Flatbush for Caribbean fashion, records, and Black-owned streetwear brands.
• Dinner: Footprints Café for the famous Rasta Pasta.
• Nightlife: Karaoke and dancing at Lover’s Rock, a chill reggae spot.

Day 3: Music & Arts Scene
• Breakfast: Cheryl’s Global Soul in Prospect Heights.
• Day Activity: Tour the legendary Barclays Center area, then check out an open mic or live music event at Cafe Erzulie.
• Lunch: BKLYN Blend for healthy, delicious smoothies and bowls.
• Afternoon: A visit to a studio session or a behind-the-scenes look at my creative process.
• Dinner: Caribbean Social for good food and a laid-back lounge vibe.
• Nightlife: An underground Brooklyn party or a live performance event.

Day 4: Manhattan Day – A Change of Pace
• Breakfast: Buvette in the West Village.
• Day Activity: Explore SoHo for shopping and art galleries.
• Lunch: Joe’s Shanghai for the best soup dumplings.
• Afternoon: Hit up Times Square (because, let’s be real, you have to at least once).
• Dinner: Catch a rooftop dinner at 230 Fifth with skyline views.
• Nightlife: Drinks at The Delancey or a speakeasy.

Day 5: Beach & Boardwalk Day
• Breakfast: Bagels from Bagel Pub in Crown Heights.
• Day Activity: Coney Island—ride the Cyclone, walk the boardwalk, and hit the beach.
• Lunch: Nathan’s Famous Hot Dogs.
• Afternoon: Explore Brighton Beach for Russian bakeries and a different cultural experience.
• Dinner: Tatiana’s for beachfront dining with a mix of Russian and Caribbean flavors.
• Nightlife: A late-night bonfire or chill rooftop kickback.

Day 6: A Film Lover’s Brooklyn
• Breakfast: Brown Butter Café in Bed-Stuy.
• Day Activity: A behind-the-scenes look at my film projects, visiting filming locations for FLOSSY and Dollar Van.
• Lunch: Sweet Chick for chicken and waffles.
• Afternoon: Catch an indie film screening at IFC Center or Nitehawk Cinema.
• Dinner: Lilia in Williamsburg for amazing pasta.
• Nightlife: Drinks at The Lot Radio, an outdoor music spot with dope DJs.

Day 7: Chill, Reflect, and Wrap Up
• Brunch: Sunday brunch at The Hamilton in Crown Heights.
• Day Activity: A chill day at Smorgasburg, a massive outdoor food market.
• Lunch: Grab bites from different vendors.
• Afternoon: Sunset at Brooklyn Heights Promenade.
• Dinner: A final meal at Oxalis, a Michelin-star spot for something special.

Brooklyn is all about energy, culture, and authenticity, and I’d make sure my best friend leaves feeling like they experienced it all.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
First, I want to express my gratitude to my Lord Jesus Christ for guiding me through the hardest times. There are many people in organizations who have played a significant role in shaping who I am and where I stand in my career today. I would like to especially acknowledge Johnny Ramos and Keiran Meadows at DCTV. Johnny has been a mentor to me, and both he and Keiran taught me the art of filmmaking, recognizing my potential as a filmmaker early on.

I also want to give a heartfelt shout-out to my sister, Kenisha Dennis. She has always believed in every one of my endeavors and has been there to do my hair for every shoot and every show. I can’t thank her enough for her love and support.

Additionally, I want to thank Joy Walsh and Joao Cueto, who have been my long-time friends and collaborators. We’ve worked together on many videos and my first narrative film, and I am so grateful to have met such talented creatives who understand and uplift me.

Website: https://Kallherken.com

Instagram: https://Instagram.com/kallherken

Twitter: https://Twitter.com/kallherken

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@kallherken?si=vtPi7exsx7vdPWjV

Other: https://dot.cards/kallherken

Image Credits
“Pri” The Honey Dark
Paula Muniz
Damany Campbell
Emily Farthing