Have you seen this singer in a steamy music video with Kehlani?
BY SHANNON MOYCE, IMAGE VIA YOUTUBE
kwn (pronounced kay-wun) has burst onto the scene, and we’re here for it. Her Worst Behaviour Remix featuring Kehlani, with its unapologetically queer music video, instantly became a sapphic anthem. It’s exactly the kind of visual storytelling that we crave. Now we’re ready to delve into the world of this London-born artist.
Kehlani connections
The undeniable chemistry between kwn and Kehlani in the Worst Behaviour Remix video sparked rumours of a romantic connection, though neither artist has confirmed it. Regardless, their artistic bond is undeniable. kwn has co-wrote songs for Kehlani’s While We Wait 2 mixtape and featured on the track Clothes Off. Having supported Kehlani on the European leg of their tour, the two clearly forged a strong connection. I was lucky enough to attend and see kwn’s incredible live performance. Her joy and confidence on stage was infectious, leaving no doubt that kwn was exactly where she was meant to be.
Becoming kwn
Initially known as K1, a nickname from her initial K, kwn’s name evolved to incorporate her full initials, keeping the same pronunciation. This change stemmed from her desire to break away from the generic artist stereotype. She told Coeval Magazine: “It was originally spelt k1 and then everyone kept telling me it looks like I’m a drill rapper on paper. So, then I took my initials from my last name and realised I could get away with kwn.” A commitment to individuality that’s clearly fuelling her rising career.
Music influences
Music has been a constant presence in kwn’s life, due to growing up in a music-obsessed family. With a DJ father, the desire to create music was deeply ingrained from the start. While she once dreamed of a football career, we’re all grateful she chose music instead. Growing up with two older sisters born in the 90s likely explains her love for old-school R&B, jazz, and soul which you can definitely hear those influences in her music’s nostalgic vibe. It might seem surprising, then, that in an interview for Notion, she revealed that one of her favourite songs is Escape (The Piña Colada Song). Yet, she suggested that we should take a closer look at the lyrics to reveal parallels to themes explored in her own work.
wn take
Coinciding with kwn’s original artistic concepts, she has a very distinct music video style: capturing the video in one (wn) take. This deliberate choice mirrors the vulnerability and honesty present in her music. Stripping everything back allows the viewer to connect with the music and visuals on a deeper level. One example is the music video for Lord I’ve Tried. As the camera pans out in a single take, we see kwn standing in front of her family, reinforcing how their support has led her to this point. This song also inspired kwn’s favourite tattoo, which reads Lord I’ve Tried in Spanish.
Only the beginning
Despite only releasing her first song in 2022, kwn’s consistent rise in the music industry is promising. But this journey hasn’t been without hard work, notably her studies at East London Arts and Music (ELAM). kwn credits ELAM as a transformative experience, stating, “it was just a whole different world I’d never been around anyone that had a passion for music like me apart from my pops and it just motivated me to go harder.” With new music being teased, we can’t wait for the ride we’re about to go on with kwn, right at the start of her career. We’re keeping our eyes wide open.
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