If we’re in a generation whereby the power of the internet can propel musical talents in an instant, KAWALi is the epitome. Hailing from Oxford and of Somali origin, KAWALi broke through with Let It Rip, a certified bop in which old-school US rap influences meet the waves of the UK. The viral track took Tik Tok by storm before its official release and now, having amassed over 5 Million streams, KAWALi is set to continue making music for a generation. 

Growing up in the middle of 10 siblings, a first generation in the increasingly diverse city of Oxford, the struggle is all too familiar. Though one constant KAWALi was subject to from early is music. Citing the household tunes being the greats from Michael Jackson to Bob Marley and Prince, to his direct musical influences of the US golden era from 50 Cent, as heard in Let It Rip, to Ja Rule and Ashanti to more recently Mahalia. Though a struggle, the city was also home to singer-songwriter/rapper S1mba who’s Rover featuring DTG took him to the height of the scene following its 2019 release. It’s also where KAWALi met S1lva, his right-hand, another Oxford native who featured alongside Krept & Konan, M1llionz and Morrisson on Olé. 

Having spent enough time in and around the studio and writing camps with S1mba and S1lva, it wasn’t long before KAWALi took to the booth himself. Following a session one evening he sent his management team the hook of what is now Let It Rip which found its way to Tik Tok. The following day the team were awoken by thousands of comments requesting the song. Within hours KAWALi took to the booth once more to finish the track. The result? A head-bopping banger produced by Chris Falcone. A place where old sounds meet new waves and topics, fused with an undeniable guitar riff reminiscent of the music we grew up on. 

This moment was just the beginning however, as for nearly 2 months following this post, KAWALi continued to work the platform to his advantage. Having learnt from what he had seen with his fellow peers journeys, KAWALi knew what to do next. Purposely previewing the song across Tik Tok through various content, collaborations and teasing remixes, much to the frustration of eagerly awaiting followers. In this time, his market-value increased as he garnered interest across the board with multiple labels gunning for the signature. Before it was officially dropped, KAWALi even took to the stage for the first time, performing the track at Tokyo World Festival in Bristol during WeWantWraits’ performance. 

Following release, his hype-building continued seeing him across multiple promotional spots including Reprezent Radio, as well as joining Birmingham rapper Mowgli on his UK tour dates. Since, KAWALi has also benefited from some powerful UK co-signs including the likes of Aitch and Unknown T. 

From the initial backlash KAWALi confronted being a Somali-artist, stunting his initial steps into making music, to a viral sensation who not only flies a flag for an underrepresented community but also perfectly navigated an industry so early on in his career. KAWALi is certainly not one to sleep on. What’s to come is certainly set to show us his love and passion for music, from pain to waves where old flows host new stories, all with a little twist. It’s just the beginning.