Kindred the Family Soul is the husband-and-wife duo of Aja Graydon and Fatin Dantzler — artists, songwriters, and proud parents whose music celebrates love, family, and resilience.
Both began their musical journeys as teenagers, with Fatin producing for Bell Biv DeVoe at 17 and Aja signing her first record deal at 14 with Delicious Vinyl. Introduced in 1997 through The Roots’ production camp, their creative chemistry evolved into partnership and marriage the following year.
After Fatin lost his day job, the couple decided to perform together, birthing Kindred the Family Soul. Their reputation grew at Philadelphia’s iconic Black Lily showcase, alongside talents like Jill Scott, Musiq Soulchild, and Floetry.
Their 2021 album, Auntie & Unc, served as both reflection and manifesto — a celebration of two decades of partnership, growth, and purpose. “We’re OGs in this Black Love conversation,” they say. “We’ve got wisdom to share, but life keeps teaching.”
Kindred continue to tour and inspire audiences worldwide. Their latest project, The Grand Life, released October 3, 2025, showcases their timeless soul sound with fresh energy. The single — a heartfelt remake of Frankie Beverly & Maze’s “I Need You” — has received rave reviews from fans and critics alike.
Para fãs de: Funk & Soul e R&B.
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Kindred the Family Soul consists of the married couple Fatin Dantzler and Aja Graydon, who really put emphasis on the family in their namesake. The duo were discovered when their record label saw them performing at the Black Lily Film & Music Festival in Philadelphia. They are considered to be members of the neo soul movement that includes artists such as Jill Scott.
In February 2003 the couple released their debut album 'Surrender to Love' on the Hidden Beach label and it includes the singles 'Far Away' and 'Stars' which both appeared on the US R & B charts. Their fourth album 'Love Has No Recession' appeared at #90 on the US Billboard chart and they have had a string of R & B single chart appearances over their career, the peak remains 'Where Would I Be' which reached #41 in 2006. Their discography currently stands at five albums, with their latest 'A Couple Friends' being released in 2014 and features the singles 'Everybody's Hustling' and 'A Couple Friends', the latter is a collaboration with Valerie Simpson.
The duo have also enjoyed critical success through their career, in 2004 they were nominated for a Soul Train Music Award for Best R&B/Soul Album for their debut and in 2006 they also scooped a BET award.
February 19th show Kindred the Family Soul was outstanding! Grown folk, feel-good, Neo-Soul Music. Amazing performance..relaxing atmosphere...customer service very good.
All in all....I will recommend everyone I know to experience going to see Kindred...as well as patronize World Cafe Live!
The only setback is I wish the set could have gone longer...didn't want the night to end.
Peace & Love,
Michelle :-)