KIERAN KHAN
From Capturing Nightlife to Shaping Music Legends, Elevating Artistic Visions, and Inspiring Global Audiences through Masterful Videography
"I've met so many people that have amazing ideas, dreams, and aspirations but yet do nothing to reach it" - says Kieran.
Recording Academy voting member Kieran Khan is a talented video director, editor and content director based in Toronto, Canada.
Though he had to return to his regular nine-to-five job three times in the first couple of years prior to launching his career, the birth of his son in 2015 motivated the young entrepreneur to finally devote himself full-time to the clientele he had worked so hard to build. For years, he covered social events, concerts, and festivals—taking any job he could book to enhance his craft and gain experience. In July 2017, he was given the opportunity of a lifetime when he was hired as the official videographer for Grammy Award-winning artist Sean Paul's upcoming tour.
Kieran seized the opportunity and secured a full-time position with Sean Paul as his official videographer and content director. Following his success with Sean Paul, he was approached by superstar rapper Cardi B in 2019 to join her as her official tour videographer.
Kieran has shot music videos, commercials, and content for many renowned artists and brands, including Gwen Stefani, Rick Ross, Buju Banton, Damian Marley, Skip Marley, Nicky Jam, Sean Paul, Adidas, Caribbean Airlines, and Converse.
In 2023, the Recording Academy invited Kieran to become a voting member, recognizing his accomplishments and expertise in the industry. His signature style blends cinematic visuals, innovative storytelling, and an authentic portrayal of artists to create captivating videos and documentaries that have helped launch and promote the careers of many artists.
Kieran has now become one of the most sought-after video directors in the industry and continues to remain passionate and focused on his craft. Regardless of the industry or sphere of interest, the values shared by Kieran—hard work, dedication, and passion—are the cornerstones of success. His rise from event photographer to international music video director is truly inspiring.
"Just Get It Done" - Kieran.
BUILDING A BRAND: FROM FREE CONTENT TO FULL-TIME CAREER
Despite having no prior experience in photography or videography, Kieran became an equal partner and managed the Toronto side of the business. He provided free content for a year to build a reputation, establish relationships, and gain experience. His strategy paid off, and the following year, Lime.tt began monetizing its services.
Kieran focused on videography, offering 15-second recap videos for Instagram, which were well-received despite his initial fears of losing clients due to the pricing. His dedication and creativity soon made him a well-known figure among promoters and event organizers in Toronto. However, maintaining consistency and focus on his business remained a challenge, and he returned to his nine-to-five job three times to make ends meet.
The birth of his son in 2017 refocused Kieran, instilling a newfound discipline and motivation. He treated his videography career with the same dedication as a traditional job, which led to increased opportunities. During a busy summer in Toronto, Kieran's chance encounter with DJ Power at TD Echo Beach led to an introduction to Sean Paul's manager. Impressed with Kieran's work, he was invited to shoot Sean Paul's performance, marking the beginning of a significant chapter in his career.
In July 2017, Kieran joined Sean Paul's tour as the official videographer, quickly securing a full-time position. Despite a rocky start when his computer was fried on the first day in Rome, Kieran's resilience and quick thinking saved the day. He continued to deliver high-quality content, earning the trust and appreciation of Sean Paul's team.
EARLY LIFE AND UNEXPECTED BEGINNINGS: A JOURNEY SPARKED BY ADVERSITY BUT LEAVING FOOTPRINTS OF VICTORY
Kieran Khan, the youngest of three siblings, was born in Guyana and spent part of his childhood in Trinidad and Tobago before moving to the Bronx. His early life was marked by frequent relocations, which exposed him to diverse cultures and experiences. In 2005, he moved to Canada but returned to Trinidad in 2006, where he owned a nightclub. This venture introduced him to the world of event coverage, as he saw the potential of combining videos and social media promotion, a service that was almost non-existent at the time.
In 2012, due to a curfew imposed in Trinidad because of rising crime rates, Kieran was forced to close the doors to his nightclub. This unforeseen circumstance marked the beginning of his journey into content creation. Returning to Canada, Kieran worked a nine-to-five job in collections while recognizing a gap in professional media coverage for Caribbean events in Toronto. He reached out to Justin Gosein of Lime.tt, a company he had previously hired for events at his nightclub, and proposed expanding their services to Toronto.
SEIZING OPPORTUNITIES: COLLABORATIONS WITH MUSIC INDUSTRY GIANTS
Kieran's success with Sean Paul opened doors to numerous opportunities. He directed music videos for Sean Paul's new artist, Chi-Ching Ching, while on tour. By the end of 2019, Kieran had worked with a roster of renowned artists, including Mannie Fresh, Christopher Martin, Baby Cham, Fat Man Scoop, Patoranking, and Stonebwoy. He also shot Buju Banton’s music video for the single "Trust," which became Buju's highest-grossing track and most-viewed music video.
In 2019, Kieran was hired as Cardi B's world tour videographer, travelling globally and capturing her performances. His professional relationship with Cardi B highlighted his ability to adapt and thrive in high-pressure environments, delivering exceptional content consistently.
His philosophy, "Just Get It Done," reflects his approach to his craft. He draws inspiration from Pele's words on success, emphasizing hard work, perseverance, and a love for what you do. Kieran's journey from event photographer to international music video director is a testament to these values.
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ESTABLISHING A LEGACY: IMPACTING THE TORONTO COMMUNITY AND BEYOND
Cinematic visuals, innovative storytelling, and an authentic portrayal of the artist characterize Kieran's signature style. His work not only captures the essence of his subjects but also enhances their stories, helping to launch and promote the careers of many artists. In 2024, the Recording Academy recognized Kieran's accomplishments and invited him to become a voting member. This honour highlights his significant contributions to the industry and cements his status as a respected figure in the world of videography.
Now established in Toronto, Kieran has become an integral part of the local events community. His contributions extend beyond professional work; he is dedicated to sharing his expertise and pushing the community forward. By never holding back his knowledge and skills, Kieran has made a lasting impact on the industry.
His dedication to his craft and genuine love for pushing the community forward have made him one of the most sought-after video directors in the industry. Kieran’s work continues to captivate audiences and inspire aspiring videographers around the world. As he remains focused on his craft, Kieran's legacy in the industry is destined to grow even further.