“Music is the universal language of mankind”
kydis watts music
16 years old
face scrunching neo soul
16 Year old artist Kydis Watts is emerging onto the music scene with his bold and free music
BIOGRAPHY
At just 16 years old, Auckland-based artist, multi-instrumentalist, producer, and Tīpene (St Stephen’s) student Kydis Watts is breathing fresh, independent life into modern neo-soul. Operating from his bedroom studio, Kydis handles the instrumentation and production, demonstrating a level of sonic maturity that belies his age.
Heavily inspired by the laid-back pocket of icons like D’Angelo and Erykah Badu, his work is built for the ultimate "head-bop, face-scrunch" groove. This vision comes to life through a powerful collaborative partnership with fellow new artist Tāwai Kingi (Samuel Peterson). Co-written entirely by the duo, their standout single "Makaurau" showcases Kydis as the sole composer and producer of the music, while both artists penned and performed their own individual verses. The track is a masterclass in creative synergy, seamlessly blending Kydis’s smoky keyboards with Tāwai’s vocals and ancestral tauparapara (Māori chant).
Their shared chemistry has already earned them a finalist spot in the prestigious Play It Strange songwriting competition and a recording session at the legendary Parachute Studios. As part of the historic 2025 Tīpene relaunch cohort, Kydis and Tāwai represent a bold new wave of young independent artists pushing boundaries together.
For 16-year-old Kydis Watts, the ability to stand confidently alongside industry giants is no coincidence. It is a strength forged through a rare caliber of mentorship that shapes both his character and his sound. Under the guidance of Motown royalty like Ronald LaPread (The Commodores) and renowned producer Nic Manders, alongside media voice Tim Roxborough, master artist Arekatera (Katz) Maihi, and his Tīpene co-principals Nathan and Yvette Durie, Kydis has absorbed a maturity and wisdom far beyond his years.
That grounding shines through in his music. Operating from his bedroom studio, the young multi-instrumentalist completely composed and produced the soulful R&B foundation for their debut single, "Makaurau," alongside Tāwai Kingi. Kydis is entirely unafraid to experiment, backing himself in every creative decision. Melding classic "face-scrunching" neo-soul grooves with fierce instrumental freedom, Kydis isn’t just making waves in the wake of his mentors—he is carving his own unique path, carrying an unwavering kindness, and paving the way for rangatahi all over the world.
Press photos
Aotearoa Music Awards 2026
Tipene
Photoshoot for Maanaki Trading
new single
After hearing Tāwai Kingi reciting his ancient family tauparapara, Kydis instictively knew what to do with it musically and approached Tāwai to collaborate. Together they have built a brotherhood through music. Makaurau is the product of two Tipene students chasing their dreams and immortalising a family legacy through music.
Rough mix of Makaurau recorded at Parachute Music, Studio A. Producer, Noah Page.
Kydis Watts: composer, songwriter, producer, vocals, keyboard, guitar
Tāwai Kingi: songwriter, vocals, guitar, percussion
Katz Maihi: bass
Tisyn Watts: drums, guitar