LOCAL VOICE ON THE RISE
From a chance moment at the piano to a national songwriting finalist, Kydis Watts is proving talent finds its own way through.
Born and bred in Leigh, Kydis Watts discovered his love of music watching his older brother play. Playing guitar and songwriting became a way for him to understand his world, but everything changed in 2023 when he discovered the piano by chance at his mum's work – the rest, as they say, is history.
Now in his final year boarding at Tipene St Stephen's School, Kydis balances his studies with music production training at Crescendo, mentoring younger students, and preparing for a Bachelor of Music Production at SAE Creative Media Institute next year. At Tipene, his music teacher, mentor and uncle Arekatera Maihi (Katz) has played a significant role in his development, alongside the late Commodores bassist Ronald LaPread, a significant mentor and friend. Today, he continues developing under acclaimed NZ producer Nick Manders.
His latest single 'Black and Gold' is a tribute to his Tipene brothers, while his original work is already gaining national traction – 'Makaurau,' a collaboration with Tawai Kingi, was named a finalist in the 2026 Play It Strange Junior Songwriting Competition. The pair are now co-writing a full collaborative album, The Heart.
Alongside his solo work, Kydis plays in the band Manawa, recently invited to open a NZ Navy concert alongside L.A.B. and Corella, and facilitates traditional Māori instrument and sound healing workshops for Tūranga Health with his mother, Rongoā practitioner Penny.
There's no doubt 17-year-old Kydis Watts is one to watch, already making waves across Aotearoa's music scene as an emerging artist, producer and multi-instrumentalist.