Award-winning country singer-songwriter Keily Smith is quickly establishing herself as one of New Zealand’s exciting emerging country artists, only pursuing music in 2022. Originally from Northeast England and proudly calling Otago home for the past 15 years, Keily combines powerful, dynamic vocals with an engaging stage presence that connects with audiences of all ages.
The 2025 MLT Gold Guitar Awards Senior Overall Winner, Keily has built a reputation for delivering heartfelt, high-quality performances that blend contemporary country, country-rock, and her own songwriting.
Whether performing intimate acoustic sets or commanding larger stages with a full band, she brings warmth, authenticity, and energy to every show. A recent highlight includes representing New Zealand at the 2026 Tamworth Country Music Festival as the reigning Gold Guitar Champion. She has also appeared as a featured artist at the 2026 Tussock Country Music Festival, performed at the Hokonui Fashion Design Awards, headlined the 2026 Shepherdess Muster, and released her debut single You Feel Like Home.
Praised for her commanding vocal delivery and emotional depth, Keily has been described by the Otago Daily Times as having an “assertive performance style, whose smoky and evocative tones fill a stadium with ease,” while Australia’s The Green Room Door called her 2026 festival performances “a revelation.”
Keily’s vocals have featured on other independent artists releases, multi genre, she plans to collaborate further in this space to share her love of all music & her unique sound.
