Rising from the streets of East London, KWN is quickly becoming one of the most talked-about new artists across the globe — and she’s still getting used to it. Sitting down for a raw and revealing interview with legendary radio host Angie Martinez, the genre-blurring UK artist opened up about her journey, her new music, and the surreal highs and lows she’s faced on the way to stardom.
“It’s So Weird for Me”
With a nomination for Best New International Act at the 2025 BET Awards, KWN admits the sudden spotlight has been “a bit overwhelming.”
“I’m getting noticed quite a bit now, which is so weird for me… I’m a very introverted person,” she told Angie.
Coming from an East London neighborhood that’s “getting a bit gentrified,” KWN has kept her roots close even as she crosses borders — both musically and geographically.
From Label Drops to Chart Climbs
Before her viral hit “Worst Behavior” took off, KWN revealed she was dropped by her label — a move that could’ve ended it all.
“I had to bet on myself. That song changed everything.”
Her first EP, Slightly Hated, came out of that tough transition, but she was honest about not fully loving it.
“I slightly hated the songs on there… I had to put that out, but it wasn’t the type of music I wanted to make.”
The Kehlani Collab That Shook the Net
KWN also shared how a casual DM on Instagram led to a major career milestone: getting Kehlani on the remix of “Worst Behavior.”
“I just reached out — and she was down. That’s how it all started.”
But it didn’t stop there. When it came time to shoot the music video, KWN made a bold ask:
“I asked her to kiss me in the video,” she laughed. “I knew it would get people talking — and it did.”
For KWN, being unapologetically sexy isn’t a marketing trick — it’s her essence.
“Being sexy is my superpower. But I’m also soft, vulnerable. I hope this music gives people insight into me.”
Coachella Dreams, Tour Plans & What’s Next
She’s already been named Billboard Rookie of the Month, a moment she says confirmed she’s truly going global.
“Getting things in the U.S. like that means I’m reaching over the map… It’s overwhelming.”
Touring with Kehlani was another full-circle moment.
“What I learned from that tour? That I can do this.”
Her upcoming EP drops June 20th, with a tour planned for later this year. And when asked what’s still on her bucket list?
“Headlining Coachella.”
Oh, and her celeb crush? Without hesitation: Keke Palmer.
From East London to international stages, KWN is living proof that raw talent, fearless authenticity, and a little kiss on camera can take you places. With her new music on the horizon, this is only the beginning.