do what i say

We say

Today's Ones To Watch 2025 is rising R&B star kwn (pronounced kay-one). It’s been a phenomenal year for the east London artist, who has transitioned from underground favourite to breakout star. After releasing her self-produced single 'worst behaviour' last year, she reignited it in March with a steamy remix and video featuring Kehlani, recorded just after supporting her on the European leg of the Crash World Tour. The clip went viral, propelling kwn onto a bigger stage and earning her a debut UK Official Chart entry at no.75. In June, she followed with her acclaimed EP 'with all due respect', featuring the sultry standout 'do what i say', which secured her first Radio 1 playlist spot (C List) this week. Her rise has been matched by a wave of tastemaker recognition, including Billboard Rookie of the Month, BET Best New International Act nominee, Amazon Music UK Breakthrough Artist, Apple Music Up Next, BET Amplified Artist, and a cover feature in NME. She also impressed with her UK TV debut on Later… with Jools Holland, surprised fans with a Walthamstow pop-up, and wrapped a sold-out headline tour across the UK, Europe and the US, alongside standout moments at Wireless and a Spotify-curated San Francisco showcase spotlighting UK R&B. With over 206mn global streams, 75m YouTube views, 3.2m monthly Spotify listeners, and a place on Vevo’s 2026 DSCVR Artists to Watch and BBC Radio 1's Sound of 2026 longlist, kwn has made a serious impression in 2025, firmly establishing herself as one of the genre’s most exciting new voices. Her silky vocals, bold lyricism and sleek, American-tinged UK R&B underline a talent in full ascent. Expect her name to appear on many more lists — kwn is on a rapid rise to global stardom.

Contact

Label: AWAL Recordings/RCA Records
Marketing: Janette Quaye, AWAL 
National Radio: Joe Dodson & Ryan Brock, All Ears 
Streaming: Sam Potts & Nnamdi Okafor, AWAL 
Audience Development/Digital: Keziah Reed & Rebecca Barry, AWAL 
Project Consultancy: Sukhraj Johal, Other Agency
Press: Morgan Davies, Wired PR
TV: Andrea Edmondson, Foske
Live: Craig D’Souza & Claire Macleod, WME 
Management: Carlyn Calder, Ruby Ladlow & Dinero Powell, Vibeout 
Photo Credit: Michelle Helena Janssen