New Music

New For '19

New Music: Kwame

We're shining a spotlight on the best new Australian artists set to dominate 2019. Our handpicked BREAKTHROUGH artists are the future headliners you should get on your radar. Welcome Western-Sydney rapper Kwame.

Check out our New For '19 feature artists

Ticketmaster New Music is your one-stop destination to discover the best emerging live acts before they explode. These are the artists we’re expecting to make waves in the live music scene, and we want you to know about them first.


When A$AP Ferg pulled him up on stage in 2016, Western Sydney rapper Kwame knew he was on the right path. From there he piqued early industry attention with his debut EP Lesson Learned, but it was his 2018 single WOWthat saw him truly burst onto the scene.

Born in Auckland to Ghanaian parents, Kwame’s family made their way to Australia when he was two years old and they’ve lived in the Hills District in the north-west of Sydney ever since. After teaching himself production and studying the art of rap, he realised he could use music to tell stories about his experiences.

Now he spends almost every day and night in his studio in Sydney, piecing together his unique brand of genre-bending hip hop, pushing boundaries, and making his own rules.

He’s already scored support slots alongside international heavyweights Skepta, Migos, 6lack, toured with the likes of Bliss n Eso, Vera Blue and Peking Duk, and taken over stages at festivals including Splendour In The Grass, Spilt Milk, Party in the Paddock, and The Hills Are Alive.

The next generation of Australian hip hop is bright in the hands of artists like Kwame. It’s time to get to know him.

Kwame

Photos by Zain Ayub

The Story

From the beginning

“I started making music when I was 15-16, I remember making a little video which was just a random photo and the song I rapped to. I pitched my vocals up so no one would take me seriously, as I didn’t want people to go in on me. My best friend’s older brother came across it and was interested in what I was doing. He taught me the ropes and inspired me to produce my own beats.”

What you’ll hear

“In my eyes my sound is unpredictable, it’s hard to pinpoint as it’s always changing, I’m influenced by so many artists and I love being able to break the boundaries and explore many styles to create something so unique that it hasn’t been heard before. I’m always looking to challenge myself on each project I release.”

Influences & inspiration

“I’m honestly influenced by everyone and anything. Inspiration shouldn’t be limited.”

For the love of music

“I love the freedom of being able to create anything that I want to create. I love that my music is able to inspire, connect, and motivate people to believe in themselves and encourage them to achieve greatness.”

Kicking goals

“Opening the main stage at Splendour In The Grass has definitely been a highlight for me.”

The year ahead

“I just want to bring more vibes.”

Essential Listening

Kwame – WOW

This one’s his biggest single, and for good reason. It showcases everything Kwame does best – witty wordplay injected with humour, effortless charisma, and a trap-beat that is bound to have you moving. This is pure class.

thatboykwame - WOW (Official Video)

Kwame – CLOUDS.

Lyrically CLOUDS is everything we’ve come to expect from Kwame – sharp, smart, and honest – but here the production steps up another notch proving his prowess doesn’t stop when he puts the microphone down.

thatboykwame - CLOUDS. (Official Audio)

Kwame – Coffee ft Mel Bailey

We’ve been told that this is Kwame’s favourite song from his 2018 EP Endless Conversations.

thatboykwame - COFFEE (feat. Mel Bailey) (Official Audio)

Check out the rest of our New For ’19 feature artists here.

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