Ken Sarmiento, known by his stage name phuzaxeman, is a Chicago-born, Ohio-raised multi-instrumentalist, producer, and songwriter based in Houston, Texas. His musical journey began when he played the piano in childhood by watching a piano teacher teach his mother and brother. He eventually expanded to drums, guitar, and songwriting in his teenage years.

 

Ken co-founded the Houston soul-fusion band Phuz, which gained national attention after touring with Sade and India.Arie on the Lover’s Rock tour. Phuz went on to perform with artists like Alicia Keys, Tony Bennett, and Groove Collective and released two critically praised albums: Water and Forgiveness.

 

Following Phuz, Ken focused on production, working with artists like Julin and launching his band, Channel K, before turning his creative energy toward his current project, Zenjii.

 

Zenjii is an evolving sonic landscape blending R&B, lo-fi, soul, and ambient textures. The award-winning instrumental single, Phlow, received recognition at the 2022 TI:ME Composition Festival, and in 2024, he released Teardrops Fall featuring Clara Mailen, showcasing Zenjii’s dreamy, introspective sound.

 

Ken is producing the 2025 Zenjii single Seasons, featuring upcoming singer-songwriter Meg Allen. He is continuing his mission to craft heartfelt, immersive soundscapes that push musical boundaries.

 

 

 

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