Get to Know: Kwame

Rising star KWAME has been on a one-way trajectory to the top since his debut EP, Lessons Learned, dropped last year with stand out single 'Friends' putting him on the national radar as one to watch. Now, fast forward just about a year, and he's back again with another summer anthem that cements himself as a new force on the scene.

'WOW' is a huge track with a stellar beat and Kwame's unique flow, and is clearly a good sign of things still to come from him. Showing no signs of slowing down, he's gearing up for a big year this year and 'WOW' is just the start. We caught up with him to get to know him a little better, and if you like what you hear, you can catch him at his single launch on April 6th at the Metro Theatre. It's Kwame season!

Who are you?

My name is Kwame! I’m a 20 year old artist and producer from Sydney!

How did Kwame come to be?

I started making music when I was 16. I started off with making beats, I use FL Studio! Biggest love hate relationship with that program lol.

My mentors I Digress & Domba took me under their wings and taught me everything I now know. We all pay rent at a house that that we turned into a studio! There’s 6 rooms, I Digress, Mozaick Records have 2, Korky Buchek, Main St & myself!

We’re literally all from the same area and mostly from the same school! Everything we do is all from home, recording, production, mix master, designs, tee printing everything! The huge moment was at A$AP Ferg’s concert in 2016, where I was randomly brought up on stage and the video went viral! 

It was like everything was meant to be. I had already planned for a track to come out the following week and took press shots with my boy Shotbyshin! Kwame is actually my middle name! My background is Ghanian, I was born in New Zealand actually, in Auckland! Within our culture each day is given a name for both male and female. I was born on a Saturday which makes me Kwame!

A few months ago I was invited to a party at Butter that Ferg threw. He knew who I was, remembered me and congratulated me on everything. We exchanged numbers with his people and we keep in touch!

What are we talking, vibes-wise?

I’m a fan of so many genres! Hip-Hop, Jazz, Funk, House, Techno, Latin. I'm just a huge music lover! I like to incorporate all styles and genres into my production. As a creative you have to be innovative and push boundaries. There are no rules, never conform.

Tell us a bit about your new single, 'Wow'?

WOW honestly came out of nowhere, during the backend of last year I was producing tracks for Mel Bailey, Main St, Lauren & Kymie. I hadn’t made anything for myself and so one day I locked myself in my studio so no-one could disturb me and just played the melody on my keyboard. The line “Kwame going stupid packing up the place WOW” was a line said in my bro Raj Mahal’s track ‘Errbody’ from his very huge EP ‘Neva Safe’. After laying the melody down I knew i had to attack this with heavy drums and bars...like for real peep my drum work!

You’ve got your second EP out soon, and a huge launch event to celebrate. What else can we expect moving forward?

YES, my second EP is out March 23rd! I’m so excited for this release. I feel like i’ve created a new sound that hasn’t been exposed in Australian Hip Hop. I wanna be able to break down barriers for the next generation to accomplish greatness across the world, everything I do is for my family, my loved ones, my team and the scene.

April 6th I’ll be performing my first headline show with Travy P and Tony Free! I’m super excited for that show. I’ve been planning a lot for it and I can’t wait for you all to experience the EP live for the first time! Moving forward? Man.. music, more projects, I’m literally working on 3 projects at the moment that I want out this year, more gigs and with my band Backbeat too! More designs, merch, videos honestly everything!

Kwame will be launching the EP at Sydney’s The Lair, Metro Theatre on Friday April 6th with support from Travy P and Tony Free. Tix here.

Image: Supplied

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SEE ALSO

KWAME SHARES DARK VIDEO ACCOMPANIMENT FOR 'FRIENDS'

KWAME WANTS TO MAKE YOU 'FEEL GOOD'