SYD TO LDN – An Interview with KAHUKX

In this exclusive interview, I got a true sense of who KAHUKX is and what sets him apart. More than just making music, he’s building meaningful connections and creating a bridge between Sydney and the UK. With his Spotify Singles lighting up billboards across Sydney and Melbourne, a fresh single with UK’s RV, and his first national tour. I wanted to explore how he’s bringing these two worlds closer together and shaping his own path along the way.

“As a half-Māori, half-French artist from New Zealand, I feel it’s a blessing to be able to represent my heritage through my music.”

Valentina: When you landed in London for the first time with no sessions locked in, what was really going through your head? What did that trip teach you about yourself outside of music?

KAHUKX: It’s a big investment and a lot of time sacrificed just to be here. You know, even though we were in another country not having anything locked in, we knew we had to find a way to make it happen. So, as soon as we touched down on the first day, we just came together. It was all about connections, and one by one, day by day, things just started adding up, and then everything started turning around for us. It was a bit nerve-racking, but on a positive note, it gave us confidence that the next time we came back, we would be even stronger

Valentina: So that first trip sounds like it forced you to rely on hustle and relationships and it actually built your confidence for the next visit.
Valentina: You’ve spoken about putting everything on the line mentally, physically, financially. What’s one part of the process that almost broke you, and how did you push through?

KAHUKX: The most challenging aspect for me has been navigating relationships while pursuing this career. The first trip to London was particularly stressful a last-minute, unplanned situation that caused a lot of arguments. The long hours and time away from loved ones meant I started to lose touch with friends and family. It’s difficult to maintain those connections, let alone a romantic relationship, when you’re constantly on the go, trying to make things happen. Sometimes, the people in your life can become uncomfortable with that lifestyle. I’d say the biggest struggle has been managing those personal relationships alongside the demands of this job.

Valentina: That makes sense the personal cost is real when you’re on the road and grinding.
Valentina: What was a moment during this project when you thought, “Yeah, this is it. This is why I make music”?

KAHUKX: My second trip was a turning point. It was then that I realized I could truly be a part of the UK music scene, not just an observer. I was in the studio with all these different artists, and they were all genuinely open to collaborating. We were making real connections, and there was a mutual respect for each other’s music. That’s when I knew that with these artists coming up, it was inevitable that I would be a part of the UK scene. The first trip was about getting my foot in the door, but the second one gave me the reassurance I needed. It confirmed that I was in the right place, doing the right things, and that it would only be a matter of time before it all happened.

Valentina: So the second trip turned observation into participation it sounds like that studio openness was the proof you needed.
Valentina: You’ve worked with some big UK names, but who in the room challenged your approach or pushed you to level up without even saying anything?

KAHUKX: I wouldn’t say anyone has explicitly challenged me, but I’ve definitely been pushed to level up by the sheer talent of the artists I’ve worked with. For instance, I remember when another artist came in with a verse that was so good, I immediately knew I had to go back and rewrite mine to keep up. It’s not a direct challenge, but a moment where I hear something incredible and feel motivated to ensure my work is on par with theirs.

Valentina: So it’s the quiet pressure of excellent work around you that raises your game.
Valentina: Do you think your French bars access another part of who you are? Or is it more of a technical flex for you?

KAHUKX: As a half-Māori, half-French artist from New Zealand, I feel it’s a blessing to be able to represent my heritage through my music. It’s an important part of who I am, not just something I do for show. I try to pay respect to both sides of my ethnicity, and it’s a huge bonus that people appreciate it. Sometimes, I even call my cousins to help me with slang since I wasn’t raised there, but it’s all part of the process of authentically representing my culture.

Valentina: That comes through it’s clearly about authenticity and respect for your roots, not just technique.
Valentina: What’s something about the UK rap scene that you didn’t expect until you were inside it and how does that compare to Sydney?

KAHUKX: What has surprised me most about the UK scene is its sheer efficiency and speed. Because there are so many talented artists, studios, and opportunities, things happen at an incredibly fast pace. It’s an intense, day-by-day grind, but everyone is hustling to make it happen. In contrast, I’ve found the scene in Sydney to be a bit slower. While people are still working hard, getting collaborations and other projects sorted out just seems to take more time. The speed of the UK scene, and particularly London, is what I love about it.

Valentina: Got it – London moves faster, and that pace is something you appreciate and thrive in.
Valentina: How do you keep your voice and perspective clear when you’re working across so many different scenes, sounds, and cities?

KAHUKX: To keep a clear perspective while working in different cities, I always stay grounded in my roots. Even though I’m fortunate enough to travel to different countries, I make sure I stay true to who I was before this career and who I am now. It’s about being authentic and remaining the same person as this journey unfolds.

Valentina: Staying rooted clearly helps you stay consistent no matter the scene.
Valentina: You started off with a balaclava, and now people are starting to know you. How has your relationship with visibility changed since that debut?

KAHUKX: Wearing a balaclava hasn’t changed people’s perspective of me; if anything, it’s been a positive experience. It’s allowed people to see beyond my appearance and understand that there’s more to my music. I’ve been able to connect with my audience on a deeper level by showing my personality through my music, my words, and my social media presence. In a way, the mask has helped me get closer to my fans by allowing my true self to be seen.

Valentina: Interesting the mask actually helped highlight your music and personality rather than hide you.
Valentina: If someone really wanted to understand you through one song on SYD TO LDN, which track would you point them to – and why that one?

KAHUKX: I don’t think a single track from the EP can sum me up. Instead, the EP as a whole is a spread of different emotions, and each song offers a glimpse into who I am. To truly understand me as an artist, you need to listen to all of them. There’s a bit of everything some tracks are raw and others are more upbeat. People can connect with different parts of the project, and together, the songs form a complete picture of me. So, it’s not one song, but all of them together that really tell my story.

Valentina: So you want listeners to take the whole EP as a picture of you, not a single snapshot – I like that.
Valentina: You’ve said you “manifested” this moment what’s your honest take on manifestation? What does that word mean to you when things don’t go as planned?

KAHUKX: I think manifestation is a huge part of it. You have to see it before it happens. I didn’t really believe in it at first, but my managers, Vincenzo and Giovanni, helped me find that vision and really believe in myself. Ever since then, things have just been going up. Manifestation is a big deal it’s about seeing something before it happens and saying it with your whole chest, even when other people might not believe in your dream. It’s a huge factor in what you want to do. I have notes from 2022 where I wrote down my goals, like getting 10k monthly listeners. The next year, I went back and all those goals had come true. So, yeah, I believe it’s a big, big factor.

Valentina: That’s a solid example written goals becoming reality definitely sells the practice.
Valentina: So many artists rush into building momentum. But you’ve taken risks on your own terms. What helps you decide what’s worth chasing and what isn’t?

KAHUKX: Back in the day, you could post one thing and wait a month. Now, the name of the game is momentum and consistency. You have to post and make sure people see you all the time. There’s a risk to that, but you have to know where you want to go. For us, we knew we wanted to expand our reach and come to the UK because the market in Australia is so small. It was just about making the right plan and the right moves to make it happen. It’s a big risk when you put up a lot of money to travel to these places, but if that’s the vision, you just have to take the risk. And if it doesn’t work out, you just pick yourself back up and try again.

Valentina: So it’s a mix of planning, understanding market limits, and being willing to risk for the vision.
Valentina: What’s something you’re still trying to figure out when it comes to navigating the music industry especially internationally?

KAHUKX: When it comes to navigating the music industry, it’s not just about trends. On a personal level, it’s about taking things step by step and having a clear plan. You have to be smart, make the right decisions, and sometimes, you have to close certain doors to open new ones. I think if you do that, you can navigate the industry on your own. But I’m not too sure about that one.

Valentina: Closing doors to open better ones that’s a tough balance and a continuous learning process.
Valentina: Let’s talk about silence. When everything gets loud streams, shows, DMs where do you go just to re centre I guess?

KAHUKX: For me, staying grounded when things get quiet is about remembering my roots. It’s about staying in touch with my family, my friends, and my faith. I always remind myself that this career can be here today and gone tomorrow. The harder you work for something, the better it feels when you get it, but you have to remember that hustle and what it took to get there. That keeps me hungry because I don’t want to go through all that again just because I was being silly and lost it. Things can be gone just as quick as you got them.

Valentina: Staying close to family and faith keeps perspective that’s a clear anchor.
Valentina: Looking back at the early version of yourself who made ‘Due Time’ what would surprise that version of you the most about where you are now?

KAHUKX: When I was a kid, I didn’t have a vision or any direction. I didn’t know what I wanted to do I just kind of got convinced to give it a shot. I didn’t even really like my first track, “Due Time,” but it did its thing, and that’s what inspired me to be better and make something positive out of it. I feel like I’ve grown a lot as a person and an artist since then. Now, it’s about being versatile. I have a clear direction, I know where I’m headed, and I know who I want to be. I want to be one of those greats as a person first. Before, I didn’t really know what my place was in the music game, but I do now.

Valentina: So the surprise would be how much clarity and direction you’ve gained since that early moment.
Valentina: What do you want this project to do outside of the numbers? Like if it doesn’t chart but changes one person’s mindset, what would that impact ideally look like for you?

KAHUKX: Honestly, for this project, I wasn’t focused on the numbers. It was more about building a bridge between the UK and Australian music scenes. The UK listens to a lot of our music, but they haven’t fully embraced the Australian scene yet. This project is a statement – a calling to show that we can collab and make something special together, bringing the two scenes closer. If anything, I hope it encourages other artists to link up and work together more, making the audience a little more open-minded. But, you know, it is what it is. I’ll get there, step by step.

Valentina: A bridge between scenes that’s a powerful aim. Thanks for walking through all of that.

Keep up with KAHUKX here.