Kydis watts bio

artist, multi instrumentalist, producer. Ngāti Whātua. ngāti maniapoto

For 16-year-old Kydis Watts, music isn’t just a hobby—it’s an obsession that comes alive late at night in his bedroom studio. As a multi-instrumentalist, producer, and student in the historic relaunch cohort at Tīpene (St Stephen’s School), Kydis spends his hours hunched over keyboards and laptop screens, chasing the perfect, laid-back "face-scrunch" groove inspired by legends like D’Angelo and Erykah Badu.

What sets Kydis apart is his absolute commitment to creative freedom. He doesn't just make beats; he builds emotional landscapes. His musical journey reached a powerful new chapter when he teamed up with his boarding school brother and fellow artist, Tāwai Kingi (Samuel Peterson), to create their standout single, "Makaurau." Kydis produced the entire track from scratch in his bedroom studio, setting a smoky, soulful R&B foundation, while both boys penned and performed their own deeply personal verses.

As his final year at Tipene draws to a close, Kydis Watts is setting his sights on the next milestone: earning his degree in music production at SAE Creative Media Institute. Driven to sharpen his technical masterclass, he remains fully focused on honing his craft, expanding his sonic footprint, and continuously creating hits for himself and emerging talent across Aotearoa.

Kydis Watts moves seamlessly through heavy industry environments with a confidence that belies his 16 years. This natural maturity rests firmly on a foundation of world-class mentorship. Over the years, Kydis has been guided by an extraordinary circle, including legendary Commodores bassist Ronald LaPread, top NZ producer Nic Manders, media personality Tim Roxborough, Tohunga whakairo, tohuga tā-moko and musician; Arekatera (Katz) Maihi, and his Tīpene co-principals, Nathan and Yvette Durie. Through them, he carries a rare wisdom and an unwavering kindness that makes him a blessing to collaborate with

This deep grounding fuels his fearless musicality.  Backing himself with every experimental decision he makes, Kydis is taking the lessons of the giants before him and molding them into his own signature "face-scrunching" pocket, paving an independent, inspiring path for rangatahi worldwide.