From Delivering Parcels to R&B Stardom
Two years ago she was delivering – KWN, whose name is pronounced K-One, hails from Walthamstow in East London. Two years ago, she was working as an Amazon delivery driver, a role she took after being dropped by her initial record label. When her income couldn’t cover expenses, she sold her car and took on a part-time job with her father at a local eatery. Yet, despite the challenges, she remained committed to her music.
“You can fake a lot of things in this industry,” KWN reflects. “You can fake streams, followers, likes… all of that stuff. But selling out a venue and having real people come to see you is different.”
Her perseverance paid off in 2024 when she released a demo of her track “Worst Behaviour” online. Though initially just a placeholder, the response was overwhelming. However, limited funds prevented her from completing the song and uploading it to streaming platforms. Her manager, Carlyn Calder, proposed an alternative: creating a website to sell the demo directly to fans.
A Breakthrough at the Sydney Opera House
Last month, KWN performed at the Sydney Opera House, delivering a sultry set of bedroom anthems like “Touch Myself” and “Do What I Say,” along with a cover of Ginuwine’s “Pony.” The event marked a pivotal moment for her career, drawing over 2,500 attendees. “Everyone was standing up and dancing after 30 seconds,” she recalls. “The people at the venue were just like, ‘We’ve never seen it like that before.’ It was insane.”
“I don’t think the Sydney Opera House has ever had anybody come in there singing a bunch of sex songs before,” she adds.
Collaborating with Kehlani
As her popularity grew, KWN partnered with US R&B star Kehlani for a remix of “Worst Behaviour.” The track, released on Valentine’s Day 2025, rocketed up the charts. The video, showcasing a passionate exchange between the two artists, further solidified her rise. Despite battling the cold during filming, KWN and Kehlani pushed through, their chemistry evident in every frame.
“It was crazy. We were both mad sick,” KWN laughs. “Kehlani almost cancelled because she couldn’t speak at all. I had to get a doctor to come and give me an IV… But we pushed through.”
KWN’s music has also sparked conversations about queer relationships. While her romance with Kehlani is private, their visibility alongside her lyrics has challenged traditional narratives in R&B. Her track “Stand On It,” featured on her debut EP With All Due Respect, includes the empowering line: “I’m not embarrassed/ ain’t gonna love you in private,” a declaration that resonates deeply with her LGBTQ audience.
Recognition and Future Prospects
With a debut EP that opens with the bold statement, “I don’t want to be humble no more,” KWN has carved a niche for herself. The project, released last June, showcases her resilience against doubters. Now, she’s among the 10 artists shortlisted for the BBC’s Sound of 2026 award, a testament to her rapid ascent. Her success with RCA Records—home to R&B icons like D’Angelo, SZA, and Miguel—marks a new chapter in her journey from grassroots beginnings to mainstream acclaim.
